The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has named Meaghan Lyons as its next Chief Executive Officer, with the announcement released this morning, October 20, 2026. She takes up the role in January 2027 for a handover period before succeeding Colin Mulhern, who steps down in March.
Meaghan is originally from Canada and now lives in Northern Ireland, and brings more than twenty years in fundraising and charity governance alongside thirty years in competitive pipe bands. The full release follows.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Meaghan Lyons as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Colin Mulhern who will step down in March 2027.
Originally from Canada and now based in Northern Ireland, Meaghan – who will be relocating to Glasgow to take up the role – brings more than 20 years of professional experience in fundraising, organisational development, strategic communications, charity governance and stakeholder engagement, together with 30 years of involvement in competitive pipe banding as both a musician and organiser.
Her professional career has included senior fundraising and development roles with Queen’s University Belfast and Historic Royal Palaces, alongside experience working with cultural and educational organisations in Canada and the United Kingdom. Her expertise encompasses income generation, partnership development, strategic planning and organisational communications.
Meaghan’s involvement in competitive pipe banding began with the Glengarry Pipe Band of Maxville, Ontario, Canada. She subsequently played with the Rob Roy Pipe Band of Kingston and Hamilton Police Pipe Band of Hamilton, Ontario, before continuing her piping career in Northern Ireland with Banbridge Pipe Band and Bleary and District Pipe Band.
Although no longer competing regularly, she has remained actively engaged in the pipe band community, working behind the scenes with leading pipe bands and internationally recognised pipers to develop and deliver revenue-generating events, commercial projects and promotional initiatives.
Her appointment follows the decision of outgoing Chief Executive Officer Colin Mulhern to pursue new professional opportunities. Having submitted his resignation in May 2026, he committed to remaining in post until March 2027 to support the Association and facilitate an orderly leadership transition.
During his tenure, Colin successfully guided the RSPBA through a particularly challenging period following the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership has helped restore stability to the Association.
Robert Niven, RSPBA Chairman, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, said: “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 organiser. 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.”
“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.”
Commenting on 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.”
“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.”
Meaghan will take up post at RSPBA HQ in January 2027 to begin a period of handover.
Board of Directors
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association