About Us

About JC Piping

JC Piping, formerly known as Ozscot Bagpipes & Highland Supplies, is a proudly Western Australian owned and operated business dedicated exclusively to Piping and Drumming. Established in 2001 by Samantha and James Cowie, the company has grown from a home-based operation in the eastern suburbs of Perth into one of Australia’s most trusted names in bagpipe supplies.

From day one, our focus has remained the same: to provide expert advice, reliable products, and outstanding service—backed by real-world playing experience at the highest level.

Why Choose JC Piping?

  • We are Western Australia’s only professional retail outlet solely dedicated to piping and drumming.

  • Our business is built around over 30 years of Grade One pipe band experience, led by World Champion Pipe Major James Cowie.

  • Every product we sell is personally tested and approved—if we wouldn’t play it, we won’t stock it.

  • We serve a broad customer base across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Asia.

  • As players ourselves, we understand the importance of quality, performance, and reliability in every item we offer.

Trusted Manufacturers & Quality Assurance

At JC Piping, we work only with hand-picked manufacturers and suppliers who share our commitment to excellence. Our endorsed partners produce high-quality instruments, accessories, and maintenance items that meet the rigorous standards of competitive performance.

Some of the trusted brands we proudly endorse include:

               

 

 

James Cowie – Piping Professional

James Cowie is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the world of bagpiping, known for his leadership, teaching, and exceptional tonal production.

Originally from Fort William, Scotland, James emigrated to Victoria, Australia, where he began his piping journey under the tutelage of the late William Bruce — a legendary instructor who developed many of Victoria’s top young pipers.

At just 11 years old, James joined the Moorabbin City Pipe Band, stepping into the role of Pipe Major by the age of 14 when his mentor fell ill. By 1994, at the age of 16, he had already made his debut on the world stage, competing in Grade One at the World Pipe Band Championships.

After a formative return to Scotland, James joined the Victoria Police Pipe Band, where he was exposed to elite piping standards and honed his expertise in bagpipe setup and tuning under renowned sound experts Robert Crozier and Ross Bates.

In 1996, James relocated to Western Australia to join the WA Police Service, where he rapidly advanced to become Pipe Major of the WA Police Pipe Band (WAPOL) in 1997. His leadership sparked an era of remarkable success for the band:

  • 1998: At just 21 years old, James led WAPOL to a Grade 2 World Championship win in Glasgow—the first attempt for the band and a record-setting moment, making him the youngest Pipe Major to secure a world title at that level.

 

  • 2001: WAPOL won the U.S. Open Championships (Grade One) in Alma, Michigan, competing against premier North American bands.

 

  • 2004: Under James’s direction, WAPOL qualified for the Grade One Final at the World Championships, finishing 11th—still the highest result ever achieved by an Australian Grade One band.

After resigning from the WA Police Service in 2007, James turned his attention to grassroots development, founding the Perth Metro Pipe Band. Committed to nurturing talent, he has built the band into a formidable force. In 2016, he led Perth Metro to victory at the World Pipe Band Championships in Grade 3B, making him the only Pipe Major in Australian history to lead two different bands to World Championship titles.

Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

James continues to perform and compete internationally to maintain the exacting standards of top-level piping. Highlights include:

Playing with the Grade One Australia Highlanders (2005–2009) on their international campaigns.

Achieving a personal milestone by playing in the front rank of the world renowned Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia (Scotland) in 2010, alongside his idol, Pipe Major Robert Mathieson.

Guest performances in 2016 & 2018 with WA Police Pipe Band and collaborations with bands such as Canada’s Peel Regional Police in 2017 & Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band 2024 & 2025, sharing his skills and elevating international partnerships.

James is widely acclaimed for his mastery of tonal production and his ability to set up bands for competitive success. His passion for teaching and musical excellence makes him a sought-after clinician.

Workshops and Teaching

James Cowie offers workshops covering all facets of piping, ensemble, tone production, and band leadership. His hands-on approach, deep knowledge, and motivational teaching style have made a significant impact on players and bands across Australia and abroad.

Qualifications:

  • Teaching Diploma in Piping
  • Advanced Certificate in Piping
  • Certified Adjudicator
  • Pipe Band Australia National Adjudicator
  • Life Member Pipe Band Australia 
  • 2020 Pipe Bands Australia - National Award for Performance

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