About

Tasmania Branch

Pipe Bands have been operating in Tasmania since early 1900.

In Launceston, the Caledonian Society and St. Andrews Pipers formed the now oldest still operational Tasmanian Band established in 1933. Other Pipe Bands currently operating in Tasmania can be found below.

Pipe Bands Tasmania conducts a full-band contest annually each February in conjunction with the Richmond Highland Gathering and a 3-round solo mini band competition in May, July and September. An annual workshop weekend is held in each October. Pipe Bands Tasmania actively promotes these events and other activities of members and member bands on the Pipe Bands Tasmania Facebook page.

Branch Committee

Chair

David Doyle

Originally from Ireland, David began his piping career with the two-time World Champions, New Ross & District Pipe Band, based in Wexford, Ireland. David’s career within that band grew for over 20 years to become one of the senior pipers.

Since moving to Tasmania in early 2024, David has been a piper with St. Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band, Launceston and also competed with the grade 2, City of Melbourne Pipe Band.

David is also a member of the National Executive Council for the Irish Pipe Band Association and is a committee member for St. Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band.

On a solo level, David has performed as a guest on albums, played for Presidents, Foreign Ambassadors, and dignitaries. David has performed a number of tours with the world-renowned Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. He is the current Pipe Major for the Irish contingent that travels to Festival Interceltique, Lorient, France, which takes place every August and is the world’s biggest Celtic festival.

David enjoys working with bands and players who want to grow and focus on development. Earlier in 2025, David took on the role of Tutor for the Scotch Oakburn College Pipes & Drums group, which is going from strength to strength.

David looks forward to the journey ahead with PBT and looks forward to working with all members to help the Tasmanian Pipe Band scene grow further.

Secretary

Nic Spriggs-Phillips

Nic began Highland dancing at the age of four with the Studio of National Dancing, where he developed a deep appreciation for Scottish culture and performance. Over the years, he had the privilege of dancing in stage shows such as Celtic Force, Scottish Power, and Here’s to the Heroes, alongside the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band.

In 2005, Nic joined the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band as a piper and later took on the role of Promotions Manager, helping to raise the band’s public profile and coordinate performances and events. A highlight of his time with the band was the 2010 tour of Scotland and Ireland, which included performances at the World Pipe Band Championships, the Cowal Highland Gathering, and the North West Championships in Northern Ireland.

In 2017, Nic joined the Tasmania Police Pipe Band, an organisation that plays a key role in supporting the local community through music. With the band, he performs at police graduation ceremonies, civic events, and community engagements across the state. A career highlight came in 2019, when the band was honoured to perform at the prestigious Edinburgh Military Tattoo, representing Tasmania on an international stage.

Vice Principal Drill & Dress

Peter Scales

We’re still compiling everything these is to know about Peter. Check back later!

Vice Chair

Fraser Bolton

Fraser’s pipe band journey started at The Tenterfield Highlanders Pipe Band in the early 1990s, where he learnt the snare drum, and subsequently the bagpipes under the tutelage of the late Lachlan McCabe. He continued piping at The SCOTS PGC College in Warwick, before tutoring at the Emmanuel College, University of Queensland Pipe Band, Brisbane.

Fraser has competed in the Premier solo grade across Australia since 2005, along with competing on the solo circuit in Scotland. In 2013, he was fortunate to win the World Amateur Solo Piping Championship (Grade 2) in Glasgow.

Fraser has competed at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow and placed at the European Pipe Band Championships as a guest piper with Lochryan Pipe Band. He has previously won the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Grade 3 with the Wynnum RSL Pipe Band and has placed second in Grade 2 at the Australian Championships with St Andrew’s Pipe Band, Brisbane. In 2024, he took over the role as Pipe Major of Tasmania Police Pipe Band, where he leads the band at parades, events, and performances, in addition to competitions.

Fraser is committed to the preservation and showcasing of Scottish music and culture. He has a particular interest in teaching and in promoting our music to the next generation. Fraser wants to develop interest in our movement, provide opportunities for our musicians to progress and showcase their abilities and to strengthen the camaraderie of our community.

Assistant Secretary

Harrison Gregory

Harry’s musical journey began with the trumpet, which he played throughout his school years in jazz ensembles, orchestras, and at commemorative services. Performing the Last Post at ANZAC and Remembrance Day events, often alongside pipers, sparked his enduring interest in the bagpipes.

In 2020, when a past teacher reached out during the COVID pandemic, Harry began learning the pipes with the Tasmania Police Pipe Band, where he remains an active member. With the band, he has performed at police graduations, ANZAC Day marches, and community events across the state. He especially enjoys the energy and grandeur of massed band performances, where the sound of many pipes and drums together creates a truly powerful atmosphere.

 

While completing his Bachelor of Education, Harry began tutoring at Scotch Oakburn College and led the SOC Pipes & Drums program. Now a full-time teacher at the College, he remains connected with the band while continuing to develop his teaching career.

New to the Pipe Bands Tasmania executive, Harry is eager to support the growth of piping and drumming across the state. In particular, he is passionate about creating opportunities for younger players to become involved and experience the same sense of music, history, and community that drew him into the pipe band world.

Vice Chair

Tony Coen OAM

Tony commenced his Pipe Band career learning the snare drum when he joined the Tasmanian Irish Pipe Band in Sep. 1961. Over the years, he worked his way up to Drum Sergeant and then to Drum Major. Until the Band closed up in 1976.

From there moved to the Hobart Highland Pipe Band (later City of Hobart Highland PB) and soon became Drum Sergeant. Around 1990, he undertook to sit for the Advanced Level Drill and Dress certificate examination and passed. It was also at that time that he became Drum Major.

Only a few years later, the incumbent VP D&D moved to Queensland and Tony took over the reigns.

In 2009, Tony transferred to the Tasmania Police Pipe Band as a full member, after having spent a few years as a guest player with the Band. From there he was soon elevated to Assistant Drum Major and appointed full Drum Major in 2014.

Treasurer

Selina Lyons

Selina has been Treasurer of PBT since 2022.  She has been in the Pipe Band world since 2002 where she learned pipes at Derwent Scottish in Hobart under the tuition of Gary Webb.  Due to work and family, Selina has moved around the country and had the pleasure of experiencing piping in Queensland with the Queensland Irish, and northern Tasmania with St Andrews Caledonian.  Selina is now based in Hobart and has come full circle to return as a piper with Derwent Scottish Pipe Band.

During these years Selina has performed in concerts and festivals in Australia and overseas.  Highlights include playing with Irish bands at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient 5 times, with the most recent being with the City of Limerick in 2025.  Selina played at the World’s with St Andrews Caledonian/Sons of Scotland in 2019.

On the solo front Selina is often seen supporting various RSL services around Tasmania on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day.  Selina is a retired officer of the Australian Army and has a personal connection with the Services.

Selina is an electrical engineer by trade and runs her own consulting business working in the renewable energy industry.  Her skills in running a business, leadership and logistics are used in her role as Treasurer to ensure the branch runs smoothly from a financial perspective.