Leading Drummer - Willie Kerr
Willie began his career in 1971 when aged 7 years. His first tutor was his uncle, Tom Kerr and the first band Willie played for was Lanark and District in grade 3. During his time with Lanark, the drum corps was successful at major championships twice, winning the British and Cowal between 1979 and 1981. at this stage, Willie was under the tuition of Bert Barr, lifetime friend of Alex Duthart.
In 1982, Willie travelled to Canada in search of work and while there played with McNish Distillery pipe band under another uncle, John Kerr. This was to be a most enjoyable and enlightening experience in Willie's career.
In the winter of 1984, Willie joined Polkemmet pipe band under Jim Kilpatrick and was part of the corps to win the Worlds in 1986. When Jim moved back to Shotts in the winter of 1986, he took Willie with him to be part of the reformed corps. During his time with the band, Willie won every major championship on numerous occasions, including the Worlds 11 times in a row. Willie is pictured below in his final season at Shotts after 21 years in Jim's corps.
In 2005, Willie tutored with Bert Barr at North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band, and led this juvenile corps to many Championship titles.
In 2008, Willie joined Coalburn, initially tutoring, then in 2010 as leading drummer of the band. Willie oversees both drum corps and all learners.