Andrew Shilliday

Andrew joined the Big Rab Team in 2017 and ever since has been covering a lot of the live streaming at the Northern Ireland Pipe Band and Solo Competitions, as well as some Concerts.

Previously a piper in Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band, he’s currently with the Tullylagan Pipe Band.  In his younger years Andrew was a successful solo player in Northern Ireland winning both Ulster and all Ireland titles up to Intermediate level before moving to Scotland to complete and Hons Degree in Scottish Music – Bagpipes at the Royal Conservatoire. Andrew has a great passion for teaching.  During his time studying in Scotland he was employed by North Lanarkshire Schools as a part time piping instructor and after completing his degree he was employed by the highland council as Piping Instructor for 2 years in the North West Coast of Scotland covering Ullapool and Gairloch areas.

In 2012 Andrew took seriously ill, resulting in him loosing his fingers and part of his left leg, but after returning to Northern Ireland, he started to learn the Snare drummer, receiving tuition from John Johnston.  In 2017 Andrew joined Tullylagan drum core in 4a, under LD Geoff Hamilton, the core had a very successful season winning the All Ireland Scottish and World drum core titles.

In 2018 John Elliot Owner of G1 reeds created a pipe chanter for Andrew which enabled him to return to the pipes again and he now teaches and plays competitively with the Grade 2 Tullylagan Pipe Band.

Andrew continues to provide coverage from the Northern Ireland competitive scene.