He was taught solely by his father, Iain MacPherson, who in turn, received tuition from Pipe Major John MacDougall Gillies whose piping ancestry can be traced back to the MacCrimmons of Skye. In the world of piping, success is measured by results gained in competition at the two premier events, namely the Argyllshire Gathering, Oban and the Northern Meeting in Inverness. In 1954 Donald was the first piper in history to win the double at Inverness (i.e., the Gold Medal and Gold Clasp at the same meeting) and only the second piper in history of the Argyll Gathering to have won the double there, this on his first visit in 1948. It is no surprise that from then on, his complete mastery of the bagpipe would earn him his rightful place in the annals of piping.

Donald's record at both of these competitions for the classical music of the bagpipe (pibroch or piobairachd) surpasses that of all others. In addition to winning the coveted Gold Medal at both meetings , he has won the Senior pibroch event at Oban on no fewer than fifteen occasions, remarkably taking first place in the consecutive years of 1955-56, 1962-66 and 1984-86 as well as amassing nine firsts in the Gold Clasp Competition at Inverness. As regards the light music section (the Master's March, Strathspey and Reel) Donald has also equalled the record at Inverness by virtue of his six wins there.

This virtuoso's competition successes at all major events he has attended are too numerous to catalogue here. What does require highlighting, however, is that his achievements are all the more incredible because he has distanced himself from piping for long periods of time and indeed for many years has curtailed his attendance at contests.

As a world-renowned piper, Donald has travelled abroad extensively giving recitals and master classes. In 1986 whilst during a visit to Georgia USA, he was greatly honoured when he was awarded the accolade 'Piper to the City of Savannah'. Donald is also a composer of some merit and has nade many recordings of these.