Student spotlight: Medical Sciences student and champion piper Harris MacLennan

Medical Sciences student Harris MacLennan returns to his second year at the University of Edinburgh fresh from winning the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championships 2018 with pipe band Field Marshal Montgomery.

Hands of pipers from the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band — Pipers from the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band

What do you play?

The bagpipes.

Tell us about your win; how are you feeling?

Absolutely thrilled! It makes all the dedication completely worth it.

Who were you up against?

There were 22 bands in the Grade 1 contest this year, split over two heats. The top 6 bands from each heat then progressed to the final.

A snare drum from the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band — A snare drummer from the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band

How young were you when you started playing?

8 years old.

What’s the biggest challenge to maintaining a high standard?

The biggest challange to maintaining a top standard is balancing your academic work. Practicing every day, as well as travelling to and from rehearsals, takes away considerable revision time. Keeping a good routine to ensure success in both academic work and performing is vital.

What's your advice for young players?

If you have a goal and you set your mind to it, it’s always possible to achieve. There will be plenty hurdles to jump, but never give up, focus on the end result.