Emmet Takes Over at Shotts

Shotts website reports today……Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band is delighted to announce that Emmett Conway (above) has been appointed as Pipe Major with effect from November, 2018.

Emmett has spent the last six years playing in New Zealand Police Pipe Band with the last four years serving as Pipe Major. Prior to this, Emmett played with the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band for around seven years where he gained invaluable experience from Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE.

Emmett, aged 26, is the second piper from the FMM ranks to move to Shotts as Pipe Major as he follows his former band colleague Pipe Major Ryan Canning after Ryan announced he was stepping down.

Shotts Chairman, Ewan McAllister said, ‘We are all excited to welcome Emmett to the band to continue and strengthen the band’s position and reputation that Ryan re-established when he joined in 2012.’

P/M Ryan Canning

Pipe Major Ryan Canning commented, ‘Whilst there have been rumours circulating over the past two months, it is indeed true that I have decided to leave Shotts and step away from piping for a period of time. I am sad to be leaving the band but have given it many months of thought and know it’s the correct decision for me at this time.  That said, I am delighted that Emmett has accepted the band’s offer to become the new PM.  I’ve known Emmett for many years and can think of few people better equipped to take Shotts forward.  Knowing that the band is in safe hands is incredibly important to me, and I look forward to seeing it develop further under Emmett and Andrew’s leadership.’

Andrew Lawson said, ‘I’d like to thank Ryan for his incredible efforts and everything he has given to the band. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity he gave me to lead the drum corps. The band will continue the great work that Ryan started, and Emmett is the best possible person to take on the role of Shotts Pipe Major.


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‘We’re all very happy to welcome Emmett to the band and are looking forward to getting to work, taking Shotts from strength to strength for 2019 and beyond.’

Emmett said, ‘I am absolutely honoured to be taking on the role of Pipe Major of Shotts and Dykehead.  I was delighted when Ryan approached me about taking on the position. Shotts and Dykehead is a legendary institution steeped in history, one that I am thrilled to now be a part of.  Ryan will be a hard act to follow. He has built a youthful, talented band that I can’t wait to be amongst. I look forward to working with Andrew and the driven, dynamic Shotts team to build on the band’s many past successes and to keep moving forward.  We have begun planning for 2019 and music selection has already started.

‘With this move comes my departure from the New Zealand Police.  I will be very sad to leave the band as we were more than just a band, we were a family. However, I know they will be left in good hands as the band’s committee have put positive plans in place for my replacement.  I can’t thank the entire New Zealand Police organisation enough for the opportunity they have given me.  It is with a very heavy heart that I leave them and their beautiful country.  I wish Angus and the whole team all the best in the future and have no doubt the band will continue to grow musically with great success!’

Although at this stage, the band has a full complement of members, there is always room for you. As always, we are interested in meeting new, or existing talent who are interested in playing in such an historic and prestigious band as Shotts. If you think you have what it takes and are interested in joining the band, please let us know by email, using our online contact form or by approaching any member of the band.


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