Who are the Rollin Drones?

Mike Farrel

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.

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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

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

Heather has been singing professionally for over 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. 

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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!

Anna Smart

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. 

Andy MacDonald

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.

Bryan Dignan

With over 30 years of experience, Bryan has toured extensively on an international scale, supporting acts like The Proclaimers and The Vengaboys. He also works as a private music tutor and session guitarist. 

An interesting note is his past involvement in televised pantomimes and dealing at the first million-pound poker tournament on the Isle of Man. And eagle-eyed Outlander fans might have spotted him in his side-hustle as a background actor!

Iain McFarlane

lain found his rhythm as a teenager, starting a rock band with his mates. He relocated to London where he became a sought-after musician known for his dynamic style and reliable groove.

lain has toured internationally with a variety of artists, including CC Smugglers, Alex Francis, and Brown Sugar. His first gig after moving back to Scotland was with The Drones. What started as a one-off show eventually led to a permanent spot in the band - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ruth Alexis Jack

Ruth is a professional singer with international experience performing in productions, weddings and corporate events. 

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When she's not on stage, she works as a Digital Marketing Executive and spends lots of time with her dog Rufus. 

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She is also a passionate believer of mythical creatures and regularly travels the world in search of Bigfoot.

Ting Tang

Ting is a talented keys player and vocalist, having been part of several bands performing across Scotland and beyond. 

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In addition to an extensive performing diary, he is known in the agriculture circuit for his rearing of prizewinning Bourbon Red Turkeys. He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest known Bourbon Red - Agatha aged 13 years.

Mark Vincent-Paterson

For over a decade Mark has been pursuing his passion of becoming a session musician. He has been honing his craft playing with various tribute and function bands across Scotland, the UK North America.

Mark has shared the stage and performed with artists such as Big Country, LA-based Quadron and Adrenaline Mob (featuring drummer Mike Portnoy of Dream Theatre), and iconic venues like the SEC Armadillo and Sony Hall in New York. 

Rob Shearer

Rob comes from a family of musicians and his passion for drumming spans over two decades. He is an experienced session musician both within the recording studio, as well as the live environment. 

Rob performed in orchestras before progressing to working with wedding and function bands around the country - all whilst writing and recording with his own music project. Rob’s experience notably includes supporting The Who at Wembley Stadium, as well as recording at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Ruairidh Saunders

With over 25 years experience, Ruairidh's proudest career achievements are his first-class degree in Popular Music Performance, playing at the O2 Arena in London and performing a Fringe show run under actor Nick Mohammed.

He spent years drumming internationally for Holland American Cruise Lines, and played a run of shows for Grammy, Emmy and Tony award winner Billy Porter. He has also performed in pit orchestras musicals such as Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Made in Dagenham and West Side Story.

Andy Dunn

Andy has played guitar in bands up and down the country, as well as doing engineering stuff. 

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At 17 he won an international Lemmings championship and still gets recognised at niche gaming conventions.