Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, David Danskin was active in the Glengarry Piping community for over 40 years. He moved to Maxville in January, 1969 from Ottawa where he was a member of the Rockcliffe Air Force Pipe Band. He took on the task of teaching at the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming and continued there until 2005; he continued to teach privately. As a teacher, he taught hundreds of students who served as a tribute to his dedication to piping.

From September 1969 to September 1980 he also served as Pipe Major of the Glengarry Pipe Band. Under his leadership, the pipe band expanded in number and accomplishments. They undertook a second and expanded Scotland tour in 1972 and played literally all over North America from the Rose Bowl Parade in California to the American Bicentennial Celebrations in Washington, D.C. to the International Lions Club Convention in New Orleans and the International Gathering of the Clans where the band was the official duty band for the closing ceremonies. In addition, they performed at countless engagements locally and all across Ontario, Quebec and the Northern U.S. Perhaps the highlight of their accomplishments occurred at the International Pipe Band Competition at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, where, in 1973 and 1974 the band placed first out of 34 Grade 4 bands.

David’s determination and belief in his students and band members inspired and motivated them to connect with and promote their Celtic heritage. He led them in countless parades in all sorts of weather from the frigid Remembrance Day ceremonies to the sweltering 106°F in New Orleans; he taught them the finer points of piping, even taking time with his wife, Julia, to teach them how to dance properly so they would be ready for the annual St. Andrew’s Ball. He has volunteered hundreds of hours of his personal time to guide pipers of Glengarry.

David and his wife Julia continue to live in Maxville and are active in the Celtic events of Glengarry.