Finlay began learning Highland bagpipes at the age of ten. He was taught first by his father, Pipe Major Iain MacDonald of the Neilston Pipe Band, and latterly by Duncan Johnstone and Pipe Major Angus MacDonald.

As one of the first ten Students on the BA Scottish Music Course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he studied Highland Bagpipes with Allan MacDonald of Glenuig and Traditional Flute with Dougie Pincock (of the Battlefield Band.) In his Final Year at the Academy Finlay specialised in Composition and Performance, ultimately graduating in 1999. With the Neilston and District Pipe Band he has played at festivals conferences and other major events all over the world including: Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and China. He has two CD on the Foot Stompin' label and his second "Pressed for Time" with his 'big' band is creating a buzz on the folk scene.

More info - http://www.footstompin.com/artists/finlay_macdonald