The Southland Piping and Drumming Development Trust has confirmed it has appointed Alasdair Mackenzie from Scotland as their Principal Pipe Tutor.

In a statement released by Allister Macgregor, Chairman of the Trust, the Trust is now “pleased to advise that Alasdair (Ali) Mackenzie from Glasgow has been appointed to the role of fulltime Piping Development Tutor.”

“Ali is 23 and plays in the front rank for Scottish Power and Queensland Highlanders. He began learning the pipes when he was eight and comes to us with very strong references.

Ali will assist all Southland Bands associated with the our Trust, be charged with helping create a vibrant solo piping scene in Southland and, with Scott Birrell our Drumming Development Tutor, be heavily involved with marketing and prompting the culture in Southland.

Ali will also be Pipe Major for the top ranked band under the emerging City of Invercargill Highland group of pipe bands.

Ali will start with our Trust in May 2009 but will travel back to compete at the World Championships with Scottish Power. Scott Birrell will do likewise with Boghall and Bathgate.”

The City of Invercargil Pipe Band, the pinnacle band of the region, won the Grade 3 NZ National Pipe Band Championships in 2009 after a hiatus for some time, and is expected to play in Grade 2 this coming season.