Pipe Major Ross Harvey, a stalwart of the last 30 years of Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia, is standing down, the band announced tonight.
P/Sgt Calum Watson takes over. The press release reads, ‘Ross has taken this difficult decision in order to spend more time with his young family, and due to the demands of his job as Senior Piping Instructor at George Watson’s College, with whom he won the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships in the Juvenile grade.
‘Ross said: ‘It has been the privilege of my life to lead the band for the last nine seasons. I’ll be forever grateful for the support I’ve received from all the playing members, notably Gordon Brown, Kerr McQuillan, Alexander Scougall, Calum Watson, Grant Walker and David Burnside, Brian Gilda from our dedicated sponsor Peoples Ford, from our hard-working committee, and from my family.
‘I leave the band in the hands of Calum Watson. This is the start of an exciting new chapter under Calum and Kerr’s leadership, at the top end of Grade 1, and of that I am incredibly proud.’
Ross’s proudest achievement with the band will undoubtedly be lifting the 2023 Worlds title, a moment that will live long in the memory for all members past and present.
Pipe Sergeant Calum Watson said: ‘I’m sure I speak for the full band when I thank Ross for his unwavering dedication over the past twenty plus years. He was the Pipe Major to finally lead the band to lifting the World Championship title after 40 years in Grade 1 and nothing will rival the jubilation felt by all of us in that moment.
‘On a personal note, I’d like to thank Ross for the guidance he’s provided me since the beginning of my piping career. It has been a privilege to serve as his pipe sergeant for the last seven years.
‘I feel incredibly fortunate to be taking over the band in its current position; the commitment and talent of the team is first rate which will greatly assist me in transitioning into the Pipe Major’s role heading into the 2025 season.’
Boghall & Bathgate was the first pipe band I started to follow two years ago when I discovered the world champion competition in Glasgow, The band’s performances and their training program for young people made a great impression on me and an eye-opening introduction to all-things Scottish.
Best wishes to Mr. Harvey and the Boogies.
Congratulations to Ross Harvey for his great success as Pipe Major of Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band. I wish him happiness in whatever direction life takes him in the future.
He’s a big loss to Boghall and an even bigger loss to piping in general.
He has been a fantastic advocate for piping, his enthusiasm and dignity shone through
He’s a young man, it’s a real pity.
Massive call by Ross but I know what his priority is at this stage in his life. Can never take away what he did with a fantastic team behind him at the boggies. I’m sure it won’t be the last we see of him.
All the best for the future under a tweaked leadership. In safe hands with Calum
Ross, as you once said.. “once a boggie.. “