We are thrilled to share “The 7%”. An all female Grade 1 piping ensemble led by modern-day trailblazers Eilidh MacDonald & Margaret Houlihan from the Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band at their 2025 Pre-Worlds “Solas” concert.
Eilidh & Margaret pioneered a historic moment for the Pipe Band community. Bringing together a community of women from the Grade 1 Pipe Bands across the globe, creating a masterful, emotive and exceptionally outstanding performance.
The ensemble included Eilidh MacDonald & Margaret Houlihan (Shotts), Aileen Barr & Laura Johnston (Inveraray & District Pipe Band), Annabel Charlton (Police Scotland Fife Pipe Band), Beth Preston (Closkelt Pipe Band), Bonnie Bevan, Dani Brin Millar & Tori Killoran (Simon Fraser University Pipe Band), Eireann Iannetta Mackay & Jenny Hazard (Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band), Emma Buchan (Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band), Stella Dobs & Morgan Tabuteau (Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band).
They performed a powerful arrangement centred around women. “In the Heart” by Sinéad O’Connor (arranged by Dani Brin Millar) paired with “On Her Shoulders” (Mackenzie Frazer), “Dr Eilidh MacDonald” (Alex Gandy) and “Mondays with Margaret” (Mackenzie Frazer).
“The 7%” represents the number of female pipers currently playing in Grade 1. Although positivity exists around this figure, in actuality it represents a somber reality for gender equity across grade 1 pipe bands.
Currently, only 7% of pipers in Grade 1 pipe bands are female. This is significantly more than in decades past, but the reality remains bleak: it is nowhere near equitable, and the imbalance reflects a sobering truth about gender equity in piping. However, there is reason for hope – with performances like this making visible what’s possible for women & girls. As spaces and opportunities gradually become safer and more accessible, the gender balance can begin to shift at a faster pace.
Special thanks to Eilidh & Margaret for bringing together this community of women. It can not be understated the importance of this performance, in allowing women and girls particularly to observe such inspirational role models of the highest level in piping.
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