Honorary President
Euan Cutler
Euan has played in the band for over 60 years. He has encouraged many of Linlithgow’s young people to join the band (including his own daughters Karen and Laura) through his work as the Janitor at Linlithgow Academy. Although he now lives in Argyll, he still makes regular appearances with the band.
President
Jon Molloy
Jon took over as President in 2009, having previously been Vice President and Secretary. Originally starting with the band as a saxophone player, he is now found in the cornet section. After a career in Senior Finance roles he is now tuning pianos and spends his spare time chasing his children Grace and Peter around the world as well as orienteering.
E-Mail Jon or phone 01506 842857
Vice President
Seonaid Scott
Seonaid joined the band in 1995 having followed them one Marches day. After one rehearsal, she found herself joining the band at the Bo’ness Fair. Seonaid’s original instrument was clarinet, but she now plays french horn with the band. Seonaid is H&S Manager for Clackmannanshire Council and is a keen Highland and Scottish Country Dancer, and has also been known to be found on the trains in Bo’ness. Any spare time is spent looking after her daughters Ruth and Hannah.
E-Mail Seonaid
Secretary
Craig Robson-Hughes
Craig developed and interest in music from age 8, learning Violin in school in Newcastle; he then took up Brass, and went on to achieve Grade 7 Violin and Grade 8 Cornet at age 15. He became a member of his local Army Cadet Force Band, and progressed to Band Sergeant Major for the National Cadet Force Bands at age 17. Craig led various marching parades, performed in beating retreats and military tattoos, and worked with Army Musicians across the UK most notably at Kneller Hall, Royal Military School of Music in London developing skills on Oboe. Craig moved to Scotland for University in 2009, and in 2022 resumed playing. Trying to find a band similar to his Army Cadet experience, Craig joined the reed band in 2022, playing Oboe and Piccolo. Outside of the band, Craig is a Senior Programme Manager in Cyber Security.
E-Mail Craig
Treasurer
David Mutch
David has been involved with Linlithgow Reed Band since his son Christopher joined when he was 8 years old (now in his 40s), helping out where needed as a parent does. He then joined the Committee as a non-playing Committee Member 24 years ago and then became Treasurer 22 years ago.
E-Mail David
Bandmaster/Conductor
Lex McDowell MEd, BA, DRSAMD
Lex studied flute at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and won performing prizes in two consecutive years. He still performs as a freelance orchestral and solo flute player. He has conducted numerous wind ensembles including West Lothian Schools’ Wind Ensemble, and has also worked with the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland. Having taught flute for more than 20 years and woodwind instruments for 12 years, he has produced musicians who have achieved at the highest level. Lex is currently a Chartered Teacher of Music at Linlithgow Academy in West Lothian where he conducts a variety of musical ensembles.
Committee Members
Richard Bell
Ordinary Committee Member
Richard starting coming along to the band to provide transport for his daughter, Emma. However, it wasn’t long before he was encouraged to pick up some spare percussion instruments and join in.
Richard is our Wardrobe Master and his dressmaking skills are legendary in repairing uniforms and even dressing a bear in a replica uniform. He works as a supervisor for Falkirk Council.
Emma Bell
Ordinary Committee Member
Emma started learning with the band at the age of 8 as a young learner and now plays 1st cornet in the main band. Emma had an injury to her arm for a year which stopped her playing but she was still a regular attender to both rehearsals and band engagements. She also has her own business creating unique customisable gifts and jewellery. Emma currently works as a sales advisor in Woman’s clothing.
Martin Byrne
Ordinary Committee Member
After having a break from committee for several years Martin returned to the commitee in 2024. Martin has been a dedicated member of the band for over 35 years. He began his musical journey on the euphonium and now plays the trombone. A lifelong resident of Linlithgow, Martin is passionate about supporting the band’s continued growth and success in the years ahead.
Sophie Leonard
Ordinary Committee Member
Sophie developed a love for playing the flute in primary school when she began lessons with her school tutor. Since then she has played in many school bands and orchestras before joining the Linlithgow Reed Band in 2022. Sophie also started playing the piano before she began studying music for a year. She learnt from the previous second flute in the London Symphony Orchestra. Sophie now studies Law at the University of Stirling.
Fiona Stewart
Ordinary Committee Member
Fiona’s lifelong passion for music began with six years playing trombone in the inter-schools orchestra and brass band in Moray and Nairn. While studying Italian and the History of Music at Aberdeen University, she deepened her appreciation for music and the arts, later switching to flute, performing with a Wind Band and a small chamber group in Edinburgh. Alongside a 30-year PR career in tourism, arts, and finance, Fiona’s musical journey has remained central to her life. Now a member of the Linlithgow Reed Band, she champions music education and the vibrant arts scene in Linlithgow. In retirement, she enjoys honing her flute skills, embracing the challenges of playing and marching, and has even taken up the violin, performing with the Linlithgow String Orchestra.
Honorary Members
Carsten Frietag lives in Arnsberg and was given honorary membership in recognition of the outstanding contribution he made to the band’s trip to Germany in July 2011 (and since!) Carsten has played in a number of bands in the region, and has even made appearances as drummer at Linlithgow Marches.
Alex Grant is our newest Honorary Member having been voted as an Honorary Member at the 2021 AGM in recognition of his many years of service to the band. After spending his working life as a school janitor, he is now most regularly found supporting Linlithgow Rose.
Linlithgow Reed Band 