About Us

Founded in 1943, the Johnstone Pipe Band is a Grade 3A pipe band where it is active on the competition circuit, performs at major championships across Scotland and beyond whilst also taking part in concerts, parades and community events throughout the year.

The band is under the leadership of Pipe Major Keith Bowes Snr and Leading Drummer Fraser Nicholson. 

Alongside its competitive success, the band is dedicated to education. It runs PDQB exam courses and learner classes from its hall in Johnstone and has been in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, Creative Scotland, and The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Trust for many years providing piping and drumming tuition in local schools. Since 2017, it has supported young learners through the establishment of the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band. The Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band has achieved major success, winning the World and Scottish Championships in 2023 and representing Scotland at Tartan Week in New York City in 2025.

With a strong foundation in both performance and education, the Johnstone Pipe Band continues to promote the rich tradition of Scottish pipe band music to the next generation.