After being taught by his father from a young age, Alex joined the Craigneuk Parish Church Juvenile pipe band at the age of 12, and then the Home Guard Pipe Band (later known as the Dalzell Highland Pipe Band) in 1942.
Alex's musical journey began with his father's instruction and continued through joining two pipe bands: the Craigneuk Parish Church Juvenile Pipe Band at age 12, followed by the Home Guard Pipe Band (later known as the Dalzell Highland Pipe Band) in 1942.