One of my primary areas of research involves the piping culture in former British colonies in the Far East, specifically focusing on Hong Kong and British Malaya. Through my blog, I aim to share historical insights, photographs, survey findings, interview transcripts, archival materials, videos, and additional content related to Scottish bagpiping in these regions. Feel free to click the link to explore the blog and delve deeper into this fascinating topic!

As a sociologist and ethnomusicologist, my focus extends to facilitating knowledge exchange through research. I actively engage with the communities I study, aiming for mutual benefits during the research process. In 2018 and 2019, I allocated a portion of my research funding to bring three highly esteemed bagpipe and drum instructors from Scotland to Hong Kong for two one-week piping and drumming summer schools.

The instructors included Major Bruce Hitchings MBE BEM, former Chief Instructor of the British Army Bagpipe School; Brian Alexander, former Drum Instructor of the British Army Bagpipe School; and Robert Watt, a former member of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and a 13-time World Pipe Band Champion.

These summer schools featured piping and drumming examinations recognised by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, as well as open competitions for both summer school participants and non-summer school attendees. The competitions were generously sponsored by McCallum Bagpipes in Scotland, with prizes awarded by Dr Gavin Ure, former Chieftain of the Hong Kong St Andrew's Society.

Additionally, as part of an initiative to promote Scottish culture and nurture the next generation of bagpipers and drummers in Hong Kong, the summer schools offered ten placements for children.

For further details, please visit the website of the collaborating institution.