He has played the Bagpipes since the age of 7 and was taught by the late, great Gordon Duncan. Ali has played with some of Scotlands top folk bands such as Capercaille, Back of the Moon, Dougie MacLean, Salsa Celtica and Treacherous Orchestra. He has toured the world for many years and has recorded on many award winning albums. He currently performs with From the Ground, The Finlay MacDonald Band, The Malin Lewis Trio, Ross Ainslie and Lauren Collier. He has recently returned to the Pipe Band world after a 20 year hiatus and has taken on the mantle of Pipes Major of the Livingston Caledonia Pipe Band.