WEETSPipe Major Gary Nimmo
Gary first started piping at 10 years old through the Falkirk Schools programme where he was taught by Logan Tannock.
Gary joined his first band in 1996 at aged 11 when he played in Grade 4 with Royal Burgh of Stirling. Gary stayed with Stirling for almost 4 years before deciding to move to Craigmount High School and play in Novice under the leadership of Chris Clezy. Garys first season at Craigmount was very successful including winning the branch championships.
In 2000 as Gary's playing progressed he took a decision to join Drambuie Kirkliston in Grade 2. But just as he took that decision to move to Drambuie a new band was being put together closer to home and Pipe Major David Methven invited Gary to come and join. That band was The Clan Gregor Society and they would compete in Grade 2 upon formation. This would also join Gary back with his original tutor Logan Tannock who was also going the The Clan Gregor.
Within the first few years The Clan Gregor became the dominating band in Grade 2 winning the Scottish, European, Cowal and World Championships in 2003 with the drum corps under Mick O'Neills leadership taking all 5 major drumming titles in that season. The performance in season 2003 secured promotion for The Clan Gregor to the elite status of Grade 1. All this within 2 years of inception.
Gary made his comeptitive debut in Grade 1 in 2004 with The Clan Gregor, and he stayed with The Clan Gregor until 2008. Over his years with The Clan Gregor Gary was lucky enough to compete at the highest level in Grade 1 and the highlights include securing a place in the final of the World Championships in each year in Grade 1 and a 5th place finish at the European Championships in 2004, only the bands 3rd competition in Grade 1. The band also secured top 6 positions at the British and Cowal Championships in 2005. The Clan Gregor eventually disbanded in 2008.
In 2007, whilst Gary was still playing with The Clan Gregor he was invited to come along to his local band Camelon and help tutor. Gary began by helping out at practices and tuning the band on competition days and in July 2008 took over as Pipe Major. Upon taking over Gary took the band through a period of reconstruction, trying to grow the band in players strength. Going into the 2010 season Gary has almost 20 pipers registered with Camelon.
During 2009 Gary spend a year dual registered with Central Scotland Police Pipes and Drums but in 2010 Gary also went back to playing in Grade 1. Dual registered Gary joined the World famous Strathclyde Police Pipe Band under Pipe Major Don Bradford playing his first championship at the British on June 26th.
Continuing to split himself as a Pipe Major of a progressing Grade 4 band and a piper with a Grade 1 band continues to provide Gary with many challenges but we all know he wouldn't have it any other way. As if two bands were not enough Gary also works for Falkirk Council where he teaches chanter and bagpipes to children through the councils Youth Music Iniative.