Corry Sutherland
Corry started piping in 1999 at the age of 16, being taught by Drew Robertson, the Pipe Major of Ellon Pipe Band, and then subsequently by the late Major George Thom, formerly of the Scots Guards.
Corry joined the local Ellon band and at the age of 19 he decided to join the Scots Guards where he was then sent to attend the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming (ASBHD). Under the watchful eyes of Director of Bagpipe Music Stuart Samson (Highlanders), Senior Pipe Major Stevie Small (Blackwatch) and Pipe Major Instructor Paul Selwood (Scots Guards), Corry completed his Class 2 piping course.
Aged 20, Corry then returned to the Scots Guards band who were based in Germany at the time, and undertook many assignments such as:
- Performing at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August 2004 & 2005
- 7 Months of Operations in Iraq including playing for occasions such as battalion celebration for St Andrews Day
- Posting to 2nd Battalion Scots Guards incremental company in London which included piping duties at Buckingam Palace, St James Palace & Windsor Castle
- Performing at Bruce Forsyth's daughters Wedding to raise the public profile of the regiment
- 2 State banquets in Buckingham Palace (for the Presidents of Brazil and Ghana)
- A Solo performance for HRH the Queen at the grand opening of Moorfield eye hospital in 2007
- Performances at Hampden Court Palace
- Solo and Band performances in many courties around the world whilst with the Scots Guard
Several months before Corry left the Army, he made a chance phone call to a company called Thistle Piping, wondering if they would have any information on a pipe band to join. As it turned out, the person he had called was Julie. Of course, he was steered firmly towards the Grampian Police Pipe Band and it was the start of a magnificant friendship.
The Police band was home to Corry in 2008 but in 2009-2010 enjoyed a spell with his colleague Julie working with Portlethen & District Pipe Band. A most enjoyable time as the band became British Champions and were placed 2nd at the World Pipe Band Championships. He remained a loyal supporter of the Portlethen Band but during 2011-2012 decided to further his piping with Grampian Police Pipe Band - he'll be glad he did as this is where Corry met his fiance, who is now his wife! Corry & his wife Linsey later enjoyed many years with Buchan Peterson Pipe Band from Peterhead but both returned to Portlethen & District in 2022.
"Corry brings a lot of experience to Thistle Piping with his military background. Appearance & dress code is a large focus in the Scots Guards and is something that Corry therefore has a keen eye for. He has helped model the high standard of dress code we expect at Thistle Piping, far beyond the order of dress for most Pipers. Corry and I work continously on aspects of Thistle Piping and I am delighted to work with him" (J.Brinklow)
Contact us to book a piper for your event