‘Pipe bands have been part of my life for 30 years’: Banbridge woman lands top job with Scottish pipe band association

A Banbridge musician who has spent three decades immersed in the world of pipe bands is preparing to take on one of its biggest jobs.

Meaghan Lyons, who has played with bands in both Canada and Northern Ireland, has been appointed chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).

Originally from Ontario, Meaghan began competing with the Glengarry Pipe Band in Maxville before playing with the Rob Roy Pipe Band in Kingston and Hamilton Police Pipe Band in Hamilton.

After moving to Northern Ireland, she continued her piping career with Banbridge Pipe Band and Bleary and District Pipe Band, becoming part of the local banding community.

Although she no longer competes regularly, pipe banding remains a big part of her life. She continues to work behind the scenes with leading bands and internationally recognised pipers, helping to organise events and develop commercial projects and promotional initiatives.

Now, Meaghan is preparing to relocate to Glasgow to take the helm at the RSPBA, bringing with her both a personal understanding of the piping community and more than 20 years’ professional experience in fundraising and development.

Her career has included senior fundraising and development roles at Queen’s University Belfast and Historic Royal Palaces, alongside work with cultural and educational organisations in Canada and the UK.

She will begin a handover period at the association’s headquarters in January 2027, before succeeding outgoing chief executive Colin Mulhern in March.

Speaking about her appointment, Meaghan said: "I am honoured to have been appointed chief executive officer of the RSPBA and look forward to taking on this responsibility at an important time in the Association's history.

"Pipe bands have been part of my life for 30 years, first as a competitive piper in Canada and Northern Ireland, and more recently through my work supporting bands and musicians behind the scenes. I have experienced firsthand the extraordinary dedication, camaraderie and sense of community that define our movement. That personal connection makes this appointment particularly meaningful to me.

"The RSPBA has a proud history and an essential role to play in supporting competitive pipe banding, developing the next generation of musicians and showcasing our music to audiences around the world.”

Meaghan’s appointment comes as the RSPBA looks towards its centenary, with a focus on strengthening its finances, developing partnerships and supporting the next generation of pipe band musicians.

She explained: "I recognise the challenges facing the Association, particularly in securing its long-term financial sustainability and ensuring the continued success of our championships. Equally, I see significant opportunities to develop new partnerships, strengthen relationships with our members and stakeholders, and build on the progress achieved in recent years.

"I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, branches, member bands, volunteers and our partners to ensure that the RSPBA remains a strong, relevant and sustainable organisation for generations to come."

Robert Niven, RSPBA chairman, said Meaghan brought a combination of professional expertise and first-hand experience of the pipe band community to the role.

He added: "We are delighted to announce Meaghan's appointment as our next chief executive officer. She brings a valuable combination of professional expertise, strategic leadership and a deep understanding of the pipe band community, gained through three decades of involvement as both a competitor and organizer.

"Her experience in fundraising, developing partnerships and generating income will be particularly important as we look to build on the progress made in recent years and secure the Association's long-term future.

“As we approach our hundred-year anniversary, we see this as a real opportunity to utilise Meghan’s experience – both professional and personal – to reengage with our members and place the RSPBA on the strongest footing possible for the next century to come.”

Meaghan succeeds Colin Mulhern, who resigned in May but will remain in post until March 2027 to support the transition.

Robert added: "The Board would like to express its sincere appreciation to Colin for his dedication and leadership during an exceptionally demanding period for the RSPBA. He has played an instrumental role in guiding the Association through the challenges of the post-pandemic years. We are grateful for his contribution and his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, and we wish him every success in his next chapter."