Steven Dewar

Steven Dewar has been playing the bagpipes since 1984, he started playing when he was only 8 years old. Originally receiving private tuition from Andre Donaldson, father of the legendary Brian Donaldson.

He continued his education with the Bowhill and Seafield Pipe Band, in which time he helped the band to a World and British Championships (Grade 4) coming through the ranks. He also emerged on the solo scene under the watchful eye of Wullie Smart who he cites as the major influence of his Piping career. He placed in many junior tournaments, including winning the Fife Under 19 Championship at the age of 15. The following year finishing 2nd in the adult event. As well as many minor victories he also boasts two Bronze Medals from the Pibroch competition at the very prestigious Cowal Highland Gathering and a 2nd place at the World renowned MacGregor Memorial Pibroch contest in Oban. Unfortunately he has had to sacrifice his solo career for band and business commitments.

After 13 years establishing himself with the band and through the solos he made the jump straight from Grade 3 to Grade 1 with the World Famous Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, under the leadership of Pipe Major Ian Duncan. He enjoyed many successes with the band winning prizes in every major championship in the premier grade. He has played throughout the World with the 'Vale' in festivals and concerts. He has played on numerous recordings including  the famous Millenium Concert album, the band's 'live from Frankfurt' and 'Back to the Future', recorded live at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, 2006,  which is available on CD and DVD. He has played on countless World Championship releases.

As well as the competitive scene Steven has tremendous performance experience. The highlights include playing to 80,000 people in the Stade De France, the Champions League Final at Hampden, the opening of the Scottish Parliament, the Dunhill Cup in St Andrews, Tartan day and St Patrick's day parades in New York City and Boston. He has also appeared on numerous television and radio shows.

Through his company www.scotiapipers.co.uk He has entertained with his exuberant style at over 700 weddings and Corporate events throughout the World, and has been involved in organising over 3000 events.

2004:

2004 saw Steven out at the Olympics in Athens twice, to play for the Official Reception of the British Team at the British Embassy, also entertaining Tony Blair and Princess Anne. (He is the official Piper of the Athens British Embassy) He also represented Samsung at the main Olympic Stadium supplying a group of 4 Pipers.

He was also honoured to guest live on stage with the Darkness at the T in the Park Music Festival in Kinross in front of 60,000 fans, he was playing as part of folk group 'The Red Hot Chilli Pipers'.

He played at the Dunhill Championships in St Andrews mixing with stars such as Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant, Jodie Kidd and a whole host of other celebrities.

2005:

In 2005 he played at the launch of Matisse Whisky in Beijing, an exciting blend developed by Inverhouse Distillers. He opened the launch party and later appeared on stage in a multicultural performance with a Chinese flute player which was beamed live on Chinese TV.

He was honoured to be asked to play at J K Rowling's 40th Birthday Party in 2005.

Steven's band the 'Vale of Atholl' guested with American Rock band 'The Bravery' on the NME stage at the T in the Park Music Festival in Kinross in 2005. Playing to an estimated 20,000 people on the day and later televised by the BBC. Not many people can claim to have headlined the two main stages in consecutive years.

Steven is a guest musician onboard the 'Hebridean Spirit'. Scotland's only 5 star cruise liner. His travels have seen him sail to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, England, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

St Andrews night celebrations see Steven travelling the world with regular trips to Azerbaijan. He has also entertained at nights in Greece and  the Ukraine.

2006:

Participated in famous Pre Worlds concert with Vale of Atholl at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow.

Release of 'Back to the Future' CD and DVD.

Guest Musician SAGA Ruby touring Greece, Italy, Gibraltar and Portugal

Entertainer for Vodafone press Weekend in Greece

• 3rd Scottish Championships (Grade 1)
• 4th British Championships (Grade 1)
• 3rd European Championships (Grade 1)
• 5th Cowal Highland Gathering (Grade 1)
• 4th Champion of Champions

2007:

• 5th Scottish Championships (Grade 1)
• 5th British Championships (Grade 1)
• 6th European Championships (Grade 1)

Guest Musician SAGA Rose touring Azores, Maderia, and England.

Resident Piper Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh.

Became resident Piper Dewar's Whisky, Aberfeldy.

Represented Dewar's Whisky in Bucharest, Romania

First Polish Wedding, Lublin Poland.

Left Vale of Atholl in winter of 2007 to join the new Fife Constabulary Pipe Band. A chance to put Fife piping back on the map. This band has become the first band in history to go straight in at the premier level.

Winner of the VOWS Award 2007 (Voted outstanding Wedding Supplier) in the music and entertainment section.

2008:

St Patricks Day parade Boston, USA.

Guest Musician Saga Ruby touring Canaries, Funchal, Lisbon and Southampton

Founding member of Pipe Rock Group 'Tartanium'

Founding member of the 'SAS Ceilidh Band'

First Belgian Wedding, Leuven, Belgium.

Official Piper to the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

2009:

Tartan Day Parade New York City.

First Turkish Wedding, Istanbul, Turkey

Played at opening of St Andrews Golf Club, Zhengzhou, China

Became Resident Piper RRS Discovery, Dundee

His company, Scotia Pipers, nominated for a VOWS AWARD in the 'Music and Entertainment Agency' section of the 2009 Wedding Industry Awards.

Played at Lorraine Kelly's 50th Birthday Party

2010:

Guest musician – Saga Ruby

Resident Piper – Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy

Regular Piper – The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

2011:

Organiser of Schottische Musik Parade touring Germany

Founder of Celtic Rock Band – Aceltica

Guest Musician – Saga Ruby

2012:

Released debut album with Aceltica

Burns night in Zagreb, Croatia for the British Embassy

Joined Peel Police Pipe Band from Mississauga, Ontario as a guest player for their 2012 season

Tour of Germany continued with Aceltica