Nairn Milne

Nairn Milne has enjoyed huge success since leaving NESCol in 2016, having supported artists such as McFly, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Amy Macdonald, and most recently, Callum Beattie.  He has played on the BBC for both TV and radio and has performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues around the UK and Europe, including TRNSMT, Belladrum, London Roundhouse, the OVO Hydro, and Murrayfield Stadium.  

Musician Nairn, who is a professional session drummer, came to NESCol after his sixth year at school and enrolled in the College’s popular HND Music course. Making music his career was something Nairn aspired to as far back as he can remember and visiting NESCol cemented this ambition. Nairn said, “When I came to see the facilities at Aberdeen City Campus and spoke to staff who told me about the course content and the opportunities it could provide, applying was a no-brainer!”

Nairn is very positive about his time at College and said, “The lecturers in the music team were extremely helpful. They would always take the time to answer any questions you had and would offer extra 1-1 support if you needed help with certain subjects.

The performance aspect of the course allowed us to form bands within the college and through that, we were given the opportunity to play at an SQA Awards dinner as well as perform an end-of-year show at a sold-out gig at Cafe Drummonds. This was my first experience of playing a sell-out and I loved every minute, it gave me the buzz to want to do it again! “

After achieving his HND, Nairn moved to Edinburgh to study a BA (Hons) degree in Music at Napier University and was able to smoothly transition into the second year. He has since remained in the capital and during the last seven years has established a successful drum teaching business, performed for various artists as a session player, recorded drums on a number-one album, and signed an endorsement deal with Zildjian.

Over the last two years, Nairn has been on tour with Callum Beattie, an experience he has relished. “I’ve loved it and we’re all close as a group, so being able to experience this journey and the shows we’ve all done together has been really special. The tour we finished in December 2023 was a real milestone moment for all of us and to play three sold-out shows at the Glasgow Barrowlands was surreal. However, if I had to pick a favourite show from the tour I think it would have been the one at the Aberdeen Music Hall. That was a real pinch-me moment being back home in my hometown!” 

 Nairn has more exciting plans in the pipeline this year with further shows for Callum Beattie and a tour with Glasgow-based band, Citizen Papes.

To anyone considering studying music at NESCol, Nairn has this piece of advice, “Definitely do it! You’ll make friends for life and have a great experience!”