Neil started drumming at the age of 10 with the Lanark and District Pipe Band. Since joining The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead in 2006, he has been a regular winner of Grade 1 Drumming Championships including the 2011 World Championships. As a soloist, Neil has competed successfully both in Scotland and further afield, winning the 2007 TyFry Gold Medal at Winter Storm and coming 3rd in the 2009 World Solo Drumming Juvenile Section 3.

Neil joined the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland in 2005 at the age of 13 and was appointed Drum Corporal in 2009. In his time with the band, Neil has enjoyed performing at concerts and teaching at outreach events across Scotland. He has also taken part in trips to Spain, Italy and Switzerland.