Neil Paterson began learning bagpipes at the age of 12 and was taught first of all by his father, Peter. He spent many years with his local pipe band (Kinross and District) as well as spells with Torphichen and Bathgate pipe band and Kelty and Blairadam.
In 1991 he took up the Scottish small pipes having saved up every penny he earned to buy a set of Hamish Moore’s pipes. A subsequent encounter with local Singer/songwriter John Watt led to the pair performing as a duo in Folk clubs and festivals for a few years. Since then Neil has worked with many traditional singers and bands including Pete Shepheard, Tommy Bonar and Jock Duncan as well as Jack Beck, Sheena Wellington, Tich Frier, Colin Ramage and Gaberlunzie. He was also part of ‘The Keekin Gless’, a group which also included Doris Rougvie, Pete Clark, Ewen Sutherland and Carl MacDougal. Together they performed songs, stories, poems and tunes from Perth and Kinross shire.
Neil also plays tin whistle and Guitar.
Much of his playing in recent years has been with ‘The Orwell Ceilidh Band’ along with his wife, Gail, on accordion.
Neil also occasionally does solo gigs performing traditional material and some of his own music and songs.
Hey UP FIFE Neil! I actually won the Jews Harp competition at Kinross one year, way back in the mid '70s & for a couple of years I was in charge of the Bird Gardens in Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline ~ breeding Peacocks etc. I even jammed with Jack Beck & Heritage a couple of times. Cheers, Dick
That was a brilliant ceilidh last night.Your band are just great and you really seemed to enjoy yourselves too.I'll be in touch this week. Cheers Doris
Hi Neil, great to see and hear you on Myspace. Can you believe I got my Mum into Cyberspace at last! Is that you singing? A man of so many talents. Hopefully meet up with you all somewhere soon, love Aileen.
