Ross Watson of Broadleys Bagpipes, the New Owner of the RT Shepherd Brand

Ross Watson of Broadleys Bagpipes & Reeds is the new owner of the assets and brand of RT Shepherd & Co. In an interview with Piping Press he has spoken about his decision to make an offer for the company. Ross (47) was 28 years with Bob Shepherd, working at his premises in Cardenden, Fife. Almost three years ago he decided to branch out on his own. Broadleys Bagpipes &…

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Bob Shepherd, a Man of Innovative Ideas

The news that the company of RT Shepherd has been taken over by a former employee should please everyone who knew the company’s founder, Bob Shepherd, writes the Editor. Bob was an innovator in every way: new products, new manufacturing systems, better quality control, new thinking about how pipe bands should go about their business. The video below confirms his reputation as a man who was determined to push pipe…

Highlands & Islands Festival Report

I don’t think we ladle on enough praise to the volunteers who keep the wheels of piping progress so well oiled with their cheery energy and dedication. A case in point was last Saturday’s Highlands & Islands Festival in Oban. For close on nine hours Convenor Iain Hurst and his team were run off their feet trying to corral youngsters to their allotted classrooms and at the same time keeping…

Highlands & Islands Festival 2025 Results

Another successful competition was held in the Oban High School today, Saturday, May 3, with healthy entries in all competitions. Senior Champion Piper Angus J MacColl, Benderloch, is pictured above. P/A Ceol Mor for Cooper Salver (1st) and Dugald MacColl Memorial Trophy (2nd).1 Sandy Cameron, Old Men of the Shells2 Brodie Watson-Massey, Lord Lovat’s Lament3 Angus J MacColl, MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute4 Cameron May, Lament for the Earl of Antrim…

Editor’s Notebook: Highlands & Islands Festival/ Duncan Johnstone Tune/ College Video/ Piobaireachd Society

All roads lead to Oban today for tomorrow’s Highlands & Islands Festival. There are events for all grades and age groups in both senior and junior. Venue is Oban High School from 9am. There is nothing to beat live music. The weather is set fair. There’s great sea food on the pier. Why not get in the car or jump on a bus and enjoy some West Highland air and…