Big Donald Retires

Donald on the way to another big win with FM
Donald on the way to another big win with FM

One of the big characters in the pipe band world, Donald MacPhee, has retired from his position as a senior member of World Champions Field Marshal Montgomery. On his Facebook page Donald has written: ‘In mid September I phoned Richard [P/M Richard Parkes] and retired from FMM and decided to go on to the full RSPBA adjudicator panel.

‘My nine seasons with FMM were very special. It’s time to start a new chapter in my pipe band career and give back to an idiom that has given me so much for the past 37 years. Thank you all for your very kind words and best wishes. All the best to you and yours for your Christmas and Chanukah and the best of health and happiness for the New Year.’

Donald with the Worlds trophy
Donald with the Worlds trophy

In his time with FMM Donald won six World titles and 33 major championships, including two ‘grand slams’. On the solo front Donald was also very successful, the highlight winning the Gold Medal at Inverness in 2005 with the Lament for Captain MacDougall.

Big Donald shows his delight after winning the Inverness Gold Medal in 2005
Big Donald shows his delighted after winning the Inverness Gold Medal in 2005

Donald has his own thriving reedmaking business based at Alexandria in the Vale of Leven, west-central Scotland. Donald is also an expert piper for Highland dancing and is married to Christine Lacey the RSPBA’s Dancing Convenor and a former World Champion. [Read about Christine in the April ’14 Pipe Band Magazine]

World Champions both, Christine and Donald
World Champions both, Christine and Donald

Everyone will want to wish Donald the very best as this next chapter in his highly successful piping career begins.

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