Ashley began to show interest in music, or drums more to the point, at the age of 12yrs when his older brother Lawrie took up the bass guitar and started to jam in the house with friends.  Although Ashley’s origins in music have not been thoroughly documented, it is unsure if his calling towards the drums was either a direct inspiration from metal rockers Metallica or from the fact that these bands appeared to get away with long hair AND tight, ill-fitting clothes whilst still appearing to be incredibly attractive to the ladies!!

Being native to Dunfermline Ashley gained gigging experience in and around the town from an early age.  He was offered his first semi-professional gig (i.e involving the exchange of money in a favourable direction) at 16yrs with his uncle’s band "The Falcons" who had just begun a Thursday, ‘Jam night’ residency in Dunfermline’s Sinky’s…or ‘Sinclair Arms’ to give it it’s newly reformed title!  This night still runs to this day.

On meeting a certain Mr Lee Agnew (drummer with rockers Nazareth and pal of the Bananas) one fateful Thursday night, he struck up a strong friendship that still means as much today as it did then and would change his path in music forever.  Lee’s friendship would lead to Ashley’s 1^st professional gig (i.e even more money being favourable exchanged) at 19yrs with Scottish, Celtic band Iron Horse.  This association took him all over Europe playing great tunes and having great craic.  Even getting to meet a rather youthful chap named Jock the Box.

Through Ashley’s association with Iron Horse’s accordion / keyboard player, Brian McAlpine, he got put forward for the job with ex-Genesis frontman Ray Wilson.  Brian had recorded on Ray’s 1st solo album and would be doing the subsequent tour.  When asked if he could recommend a rhythm section he put the brother’s MacMillan forward who aced the audition and are still an active part of his touring and recording band to this day.

Ashley’s connection with the Bananas was sparked with their mutual connection of Lee Agnew again.  Lee and Ash shared a flat in Dunfermline which was situated at the back of a hair dressers.  It was through Stevie Gillies’ random visits to Lee that he got more acquainted with Ashley, who was usually sat IN the salon with a huge purple, condom-like cap on his head having his colour done…BIG POOF!! …Nothing’s changed to this day eh?!

Ashley “there’s the drummer, he’s a big f**kin poof” MacMillan plays with Box O' Bananas as much as his diary will take, whenever they’ll have him (“thanks guys”), whilst at the same time they very kindly let him dodge about Germany playing with Ray Wilson and Stiltskin.