Donald Shaw Ramsay

Donald Shaw Ramsay (1919-1998) was a Scottish bagpiper. Despite not winning any of the major solo prizes, he has attained worldwide iconic status.

He was born in Torphichen, Scotland, near Bathgate. Donald joined the Highland Light Infantry in World War II. He undertook the pipe-majors’ course at Edinburgh Castle under Willie Ross and subsequently became Pipe Major of the 10th H.L.I. out of Wick. At age 20, he was the youngest Pipe Major ever appointed in the British Army. He saw action on the continent and proved himself a dynamic leader even at a young age. One of his many compositions was a well loved 3/4 march entitled Schiehallion.