Neil was born and raised on a small croft just outside Aberdeen, began piping at the age of ten and was taught by PM George Cruickshank (Gordon Highlanders). He competed extensively in solo contests, winning many prizes, including the 21 and under Braemar medal against a field of 25 boys from all over Scotland, this at the age of seventeen. At sixteen, he was invited to join the Grade I Bucksburn and District Pipeband, and competed with them for seven seasons, including at their best ever 3rd place at the Worlds in 1960.
In 1963 Neil emigrated to the USA , joined Worcester Kilties and was fortunate to participate in their glory years winning five Grade I North American championships and also at their possibly greatest accomplishment, winning at Lesmahagow against Shotts and Glasgow Police.
More recently Neil has also been devoting his talents to teaching and in 1995 took on the task of instructing the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums, who were just starting out. In 2002, with the WFB well established, Neil set his sights on a new goal, to rebuild the Worcester Kilties, which at this time had become all but defunct. Together with a few of his students he began the arduous task of establishing a new competing band, and in 2004 they began competing in Grade V, in 2006 the band made Grade IV and just one year later was Promoted to Grade III.
Neil has now decided to step down as PM and will devote more time to teaching.