Who are the Rollin' Drones?
Here's a wee bit of chat about who we are and how we got here.
Mike Farrel
CEO / Founder
Bassist & Piper
Mike excelled in and out of pipe bands since age 9, earning prizes at major competitions. He has piped across Scotland and at international events in Spain, Germany, and France. He has also performed at renowned venues, including the Millenium Dome and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
As CEO, bassist and piper in the Drones, Mike has his hands full keeping the Drones in line whilst taking our business to the next level. We can't think of anyone more suited to the job!
Greg McAllister
Co-Founder
Piper
With 25 years of bagpipe experience, Greg has played in renowned pipe bands including Inveraray and Shotts. His junior solo piping success includes major victories in Grade one championships, notably leading Inveraray to their first major win in 2014.
He guested internationally before becoming Pipe Major of St Andrews Pipe Band in Brisbane. That's right, he's currently hiding from spiders in Australia whilst we hold the fort in bonnie Scotland - but he'll be back soon!
Heather Robertson
Marketing Director
Vocalist & Ceilidh-caller
Heather has been singing professionally for 10 years, having honed her performing skills in the world of musical theatre. Her credits include Maureen in RENT, Amneris in the Scottish Premier of Aida and the title role in Cinderella.
When she's not on stage with us she holds a brand management role for Arran whisky and leads the charge on our marketing and brand development. Her favourite part of life in the Rollin Drones? Playing whisky festivals, of course!
Andy MacDonald
Pianist & keytarist
Andy’s musical experience began at 14 with drums, singing, and composition. His journey from rock bands to musical theatre and opera, shaped his diverse musical career. After his studies, he began tutoring, arrangement, and musical direction.
Andy, now embracing the piano and keytar, finds joy both on and off the stage with the Rollin Drones. Career highlights include performances at Fèis Ìle and arranging a symphonic project with Ian White, which he later recorded with the Janáček Orchestra.
Conar Girvan
Drummer
Conar has been drumming for 20 years and under Jamie McGrory at Loud ‘n’ Proud School of Rock, later teaching there for nearly a decade. With an A in Advanced Higher Music and an overall A in HND Music, he's built a solid reputation as a dependable musician and is in demand for multiple projects across central Scotland, including his originals band Gary's Rainbow Shop.
A standout moment was performing in Washington DC with the Rollin Drones in 2023 and he looks forward to the next trip.
Anna Smart
Piper
Anna has been playing pipes for 17 years. She began at age 6 in a Fife juvenile band and competed in her first world pipe band championships at 9. Anna then spent 8 years in New Zealand, playing in various bands. At 16, she joined Simon Fraser University Pipe Band in Vancouver, competing globally.
Anna's standout moments include performing at the Rugby World Cup opening, a Disneyland concert at 13, and a solo at Kelvingrove as part of Piping Live 2023. She loves to make us all feel ancient by reminding us that she was only 12 when Frozen came out.
Bryan Dignan
Guitarist
Bryan, a guitarist with over 30 years of experience, transitioned from piano and trombone to pursue a career in various bands and stage shows.
With an HND in music performance, Bryan toured extensively, supporting acts like The Proclaimers. Currently, he works as a private music tutor and session guitarist, citing touring Australia and supporting The Vengaboys as career highlights.
An interesting note is his past involvement in televised pantomimes and dealing at the first million-pound poker tournament on the Isle of Man.
Stephen McAoidh
Piper
With 34 years of piping under his belt, Stephen is a versatile musician also proficient in guitar and whistle. His decorated solo piping career spans global medal victories.
Notable pipe band achievements include winning Novice Juvenile Cowal Champions 2001 and representing Scotland internationally. Beyond competitions, he contributed to establishing the first Juvenile Pipe Band in Taiwan, participated in tourism campaigns, and represented Scottish culture worldwide. Stephen made his television debut in 1998 on BBC Two's "Up for It!", sharing his passion for music and pipes.