Donald MacLeod, MBE, was born in Stornoway, on Lewis, in the Scottish Hebridean Islands in 1916. He became a piper for the Seaforth Highlanders in 1937, reaching the level of pipe major after only four years.

During World War II, he served in France with the 51st Highland Division, was taken prisoner by the Germans at St. Valery, escaped during a forced march and managed to return to the UK. In 1945, he piped his battalion across the Rhine during an assault crossing -- even though he had been forbidden to do this by his commanding officer.

During his army career, he was highly successful in piping competitions, winning numerous medals. MacLeod retired from the army in 1963 and from competition in 1966, but neither marked the completion of his piping career. He continued to give recitals in Scotland and around the world, and he provided instruction to many pipers at all levels of ability.

A brilliant and prolific composer, he published six books of light music (marches, airs and dance music) - The Man from Skye,  Butterfingers, The Duck, MacLean of Lewis  Crossing the Minch  were among his many compositions -as well as a book of piobaireachd. 

He was awarded the Membership of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1978 for outstanding service to piping.

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod died suddenly in Glasgow in 1982.

Albums:

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 1) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 2) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 3) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 4) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 5) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Pipe Major Donald MacLeod's Collection of Music For the Bagpipe (Book 6) Donald MacLeod was one of the century's best composers. He wrote a huge number of tunes of all varieties of pipe music, many of which are modern classics. read more >>> £10.99

Piper in the Nave Volume 1 - Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE A chance to hear the wonderful Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE (1916-1982) play a selection of Light Music and Piobaireachd. The CD has been made from recordings of Pipe Major MacLeod when he played in Dunfermline Abbey. read more >>> £12.50

Piper in the Nave Volume 2 - Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE A chance to hear the wonderful Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE (1916-1982) play a selection of Piobaireachd. read more >>> £12.50