Obituary: Bob Martin 71, band leader

Family and friends have this week been honouring popular pipe band leader Bob Martin.

Robert "Bob" Martin, 71, died on Sunday following complications from knee surgery required due to a fall in his Blackburn home.

Mr Martin, Pipe Major of Boghall and Bathgate Caledonian between 1972 and 1986, taught hundreds of West Lothian pipers during his life; with his work and achievements making him a world -renowned piper.

He was born in Musselburgh and moved to Blackburn at an early age. After school he became an electrician and then a foreman for a building firm.

He married Jessie in 1961 and they had two sons, Fraser and Douglas. He started off his piping career at Whitrigg Colliery Pipe Band, before moving to Torphichen and Bathgate.

His son Douglas said: "He was approached to take over as pipe major at Boghall and the rest is history. My dad played with them from 1972 to 1986 and he led from the front."

In just eight years, Mr Martin moved the band from grade four to grade one, establishing the band as one of the world's best.

"He was in charge of the full band. He was a great believer in teaching the young how to play the pipes," said Douglas.

"They picked up every trophy in every grade that they could. The World Championship was the only thing they didn't win when the band was promoted to grade one."

Under Mr Martin's leadership, the band successfully competed in the RSPBA Champion of Champions, winning the title in 1974, progressing to grade three. The band then went on to win the Champion of Champions in grade two in 1978 and 79, being promoted to grade one for the 1980 season, winning the British Championship in 1982, and coming second to Strathclyde Police in the World Championships the same year - the only first place trophy to elude them.

After retiring, he retained a strong interest in the band.

Douglas said: "He was still very interested in getting the next generations through the pipe band. Dad must have taught hundreds of pipers over the years and Ross Walker, the current pipe major, was taught by him."

Mr Martin went on to have an extremely successful career, going on to play for the Pope during his visit to Scotland in 1982 and attending the Queen's garden party in recognition for his dedication, whilst also caring for Jessie.