The most successful pipe major in pipe band history, Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery, has announced his retirement.
In a statement, the band revealed that P/Sgt. Matt Wilson will be taking over as Pipe Major. Richard (62) has won 13 World title, more than any other Pipe Major, and over forty major championships.
Richard said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery. The band has taken me around the world and been a conduit for some of the most meaningful experiences and friendships of my life. I will miss it beyond words but I am also grateful for what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing the band flourish under Matt and Gareth [McLees’s] leadership.’
New P/M Matt Wilson said; ‘Richard leaves a legacy as a pipe major that we will not see the likes of again our lifetime. Being his Pipe Sergeant has been the highlight of my piping career.’
2024 has been a poor season by FMM standards and P/M Parkes has been involved in behind the scenes controversy following their runner-up position in last month’s World Pipe Band Championships.
