Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band is one of the most sucessful and celebrated pipe bands in history. 16-time winners of the RSPBA World Pipe Band Championships, Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia has been an institution in the pipe band world for over a century. In its 106 year history the band has won 100 RSPBA Major championships, 17 Champion of Champions, 103 RSPBA Major Drum Corps prizes and 19 RSPBA Best Drum Corps Champion of Champions awards. The band is based in the town of Shotts in the central belt of Scotland, and draws its membership from around the world.
Shotts and Dykhead Caledonia was founded in 1910 under very humble circumstances and initially practised in the kitchen of founding Pipe Major Dougald McFarlane’s home. Within 4 years they had purchased their first uniform and diligently competed in every available competition.
The band is currently led by Pipe Major Emmett Conway and Leading Drummer Andrew Lawson who, in early 2016, took over the position of Leading Drummer. Andrew served in the corps for many years and is working closely with Emmett to move the band forward.
Today, Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia is in as strong a position as it has been for a decade, and together Pipe Major Emmett Conway and Leading Drummer Andrew Lawson have embarked on the next exciting chapter of the band’s history.