by Ewan McAllister | July 5, 2016
Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band was sad to learn that their ex-Leading Drummer William Stevenson passed away on 5 July 2016.
William, fondly known to other band members as Billy, lived with his wife Jean in the town of Wishaw during his time playing with Shotts.
William 2nd from right with Dalziel Highland Drum Corps
Before moving to Shotts, William played alongside the late great Alex Duthart in the Dalziel Highland Pipe Band.
After moving to Shotts, he played under the leadership of Duthart and P/M John K MacAllister until in 1963, he was appointed Leading Drummer of the band when Alex left to go to Invergordon Distillery Pipe Band.
William to Alex Dutharts’ right with fellow Shotts members
William led Shotts alongside P/M JK MacAllister until JK retired in 1968, he then worked with JK’s younger brother Tom Jnr and won the Worlds Drum Corp prize in 1969.
William retired from the band in 1970 when D/M Alex Duthart returned to Shotts.
William in Austraila with his wife Jean front right
Some years later, William emigrated to Australia.