About the Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band
Our Story
Founded in 2004, Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band is a Grade 3A competitive pipe band based in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. We bring together pipers, snare drummers, tenor drummers, and bass drummers who share a passion for Scottish music, performance, competition, and community.
Following the formation of the District 5050 Pipe Band Society in 2004, the band's founders, Graham Davidson and Len Leroux, with the support of several prominent members of the pipe band community, began assembling what would become Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band.
The band entered its first competition in 2006 and has continued to grow as both a competitive pipe band and a performing group. Today, Greighlan Crossing is a vibrant community of approximately 30 dedicated members, united by a love of piping and drumming and a commitment to continually improving our craft.
Over the past two decades, hundreds of individuals have contributed their time, talent, and enthusiasm to the band. Each generation of members has helped shape Greighlan Crossing into the band it is today, and we remain grateful to those who laid the foundation before us.
Our History
From our first competition in 2006 to performances on the international stage, Greighlan Crossing has continued to evolve and grow.
Over the years, the band program has gained recognition within both the local and international pipe band communities. What began as a local group has grown into an accomplished competitive band with a history of performances and competitions throughout British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest, and internationally.
Our journey has taken us far beyond British Columbia. Greighlan Crossing has performed for audiences as far away as China and has competed in Scotland, the heartland of pipe band tradition, including on the iconic Glasgow Green.
Our international competition history includes appearances at major championships in Scotland, including the European Pipe Band Championships and the World Pipe Band Championships. In 2024, our Drum Corps were crowned World Champions, and in 2026 the band returned to Glasgow to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships, finishing 6th in Grade 3A and bringing home the Corby Bowl.
These achievements are milestones in a much larger story: one built by generations of members, instructors, supporters, families, and friends who have helped Greighlan Crossing continue to grow.
A Grade 3A Pipe Band in British Columbia
Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band is proud to compete as a Grade 3A pipe band with the British Columbia Pipers' Association (BCPA). Based in the Lower Mainland, our members come together from communities throughout the region to rehearse, perform, and compete.
We benefit from world-class instruction and are committed to developing the musical and technical skills of our pipers and drummers. Whether preparing for a Highland Games competition, an international championship, or a community performance, we strive to bring a high level of musicianship, energy, and professionalism to everything we do.
While competition is an important part of our identity, Greighlan Crossing is about much more than results. We are a group of musicians and friends who enjoy making music together, challenging ourselves, and sharing the traditions of Scottish piping and drumming with audiences at home and around the world.
Scottish Music, Piping & Drumming
At the heart of Greighlan Crossing is a love of Scottish music.
Pipe bands bring together the distinctive sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe with the powerful musicality of the pipe band drum corps. Our band includes pipers, snare drummers, tenor drummers, and bass drummers, each contributing an essential part to the overall sound and performance.
We are committed to promoting interest and skill in piping, drumming, and band performance while helping keep the traditions of Scottish music and culture alive in British Columbia and beyond.
Through instruction, rehearsals, performances, competitions, and community involvement, we provide opportunities for musicians to develop their skills, experience the camaraderie of playing in a band, and share Scottish musical traditions with others.
Competition & Highland Games
Competition is an important part of the Greighlan Crossing experience.
We regularly compete at Highland Games and pipe band competitions throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, putting months of preparation and rehearsal into each performance. Competition challenges our members to continually develop their individual skills while learning how to perform as one cohesive musical group.
Our competitive journey has taken us from local Highland Games to some of the world's most prestigious pipe band competitions in Scotland.
Among our proudest achievements are multiple British Columbia Pipers' Association Grand Aggregate titles, a 2nd-place finish at the 2025 North American Championships, our 5th-place finish at the 2024 European Pipe Band Championships, and our 6th-place finish at the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.
While we take competition seriously, we never lose sight of why we play: we love the music, we enjoy performing together, and we are fortunate to share these experiences with an incredibly talented pipe band community.
Our Connection to the Community
Greighlan Crossing was founded with a commitment to cultural enrichment in southern British Columbia, and community remains at the heart of what we do.
Throughout the year, our members perform at Highland Games, festivals, parades, fundraisers, cultural celebrations, community events, and other special occasions throughout the region. These performances give us the opportunity to connect with audiences while celebrating and sharing Scottish music and culture.
We also believe that a strong pipe band community is built by more than performances. Through education, instruction, mentorship, and participation, we help create opportunities for people to discover piping and drumming and become part of the tradition.
Our community extends beyond the musicians who perform with the band. Families, volunteers, supporters, donors, instructors, fellow musicians, event organizers, and audiences have all played an important role in our journey.
As we look toward the future, we are excited to find new ways to serve and engage with our community while continuing to share the music we love.
How do you pronounce "Greighlan"?
Believe it or not, the band’s name has been something of a challenge for announcers and organizers all over.
GCPB band members have had plenty of laughs over the years at the various pronunciations, with honorable mentions including: “GRAHAM CLOSSING”, “GRY-LEN”, "GREG-LAN" and more.
However, in the interest of proper public recognition, and “setting the record straight” as it were, the correct pronunciation of Greighlan is:
“GRAY-LEN”
Regardless of how it’s said, we’re always happy to hear the name announced in the prize lists!
