Rachel is a member of the Grade One Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band Drum Corps. She made history in 2018 by becoming the first female to win the World Solo Drumming Championships in the ’18 years’ category. Her title comes on the back of winning other accolades which started in 2010 when she joined her local school band – West Lothian Schools Pipe Band when, in 2011, Rachel took over the position of Leading Drummer. In the past 8 years, she has been under the tutelage of world-renowned snare drummer David Ross.

At the Stellar Awards ceremony (that recognises achievement, attainment, citizenship, diversity and equality and teamwork) in 2013, Rachel was awarded for her achievement in Music. In 2016, she attained a National Progression Award in Music as well as an Advanced Higher qualification in Music.

Rachel is a senior member of the Drum Corps of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland as well as the Drum Sergeant for their development band. As part of NYPBoS, Thom has performed at many prestigious events, including for Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, the RNSO, Celtic Connection, Glasgow and Avenches Tattoo, as well as participating in the world-famous drumming event ‘Drumming for Drinks’. Her personal highlights so far include joining BDC’s Jim Kilpatrick at various masterclasses, including his World’s ‘Giving Back’ event, performing with Kilpatrick and the Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band in a drum fanfare and finally, performing on stage alongside The Script at their sell-out concert in Glasgow.

At present, Rachel works full time at Jim Kilpatrick Percussion in South Lanarkshire.