Jamie McGowan was raised on the south west corner of Loch Lomond, Scotland. He was exposed to traditional tunes and song as a child and as a teenager played in new age Scottish Rock Band- Flood of Red. Since becoming a resident of Canada over 10 years ago, Jamie has written and performed many of his original compositions across the highlands.

William MacKechnie aka Brian Sachs was raised in the south western Ontario Town of Listowel. He heard Irish tunes at a local gathering when he was very young. In later years he became a Piper with a local Scottish Pipe and Drum Band and learned Folk Song while at the University of Guelph with a good friend David Bates. William plays several instruments and performs Traditional Celtic Irish and Scottish songs and tunes as well as Folk Songs and some Country try Songs.

West O’ The Loch was formed 18 months ago and performs at local establishments in The Highlands. The band name was crafted from Jim and William’s family history. Jim being raised on the south west shore of Loch Lomond where his ancestors thrived. Brian’s Great Great Grandfather, Dugald MacKechnie immigrated to Canada in 1850 from the Isle of Mull, an Inner Hebrides Island off the west coast of Scotland.