Donald Ross, B.A., CoP ( Accordionist & Bandleader of The Highlanders )

Following completion of a Languages Degree at Auckland University, Donald Ross - a New Zealander of Aberdonian stock - packed his accordion and departed for England in order to pursue a career as a professional musician. Since his arrival in London in October, 1976 he has had an enormously diverse career and has achieved considerable success in the music business. Although these earlier years were completely barren in terms of Scottish music, he has, more recently, returned to his 'roots', and is now bringing his extensive and invaluable musical knowledge to the world of Scottish Ceilidh Parties & Reeling Balls

As Musical Director he worked on The Sleeping Prince at The Haymarket Theatre Royal, London ( starring Omar Sharif ) and on Cider with Rosie at The Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Donald is also the Producer of musical cabaret: Les Chansons de Piaf

Film, Television & Broadcasting credits include: Tenko ( BBCTV ), A Piece of Cake ( ITV ) and The Six O'Clock Show ( LWT ) - amongst others. He has also performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra and for the RTE at the Wexford Opera Festival, Ireland

Theatrical Productions in which he has been featured and performed include: La Cage aux Folles ( London Palladium ), Piaf, Call Me Madam, Calamity Jane, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, The Boyfriend, et al

More generally, Donald has performed for several Film Premières and Awards Ceremonies. Two years ago his Italian Band performed for the World Film Première of Tea with Mussolini and prior to that his Cabaret Band undertook the Annual Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards Ceremony. Donald is currently the Bandleader of 5 other established theme 'gig' bands: Marcel Dupont et ses Compagnons, Donato Rossi Italian Band, Die Schunkelmeister, The Hampstead Buskers and Don Roszetsky Eastern European Band

Willie Martin, B.A., B.Mus ( Violinist/Viola Player )

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Willie studied violin, viola and piano at the Nacional Collegio de Musica before being granted a postgraduate scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1962. He held a residency with the BBC Radio & BBC Concert Orchestras for 3 years and has freelanced with the Royal Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra and several others. Willie also undertakes recitals. He is a founding member of The Highlanders

Lawrence Wise ( Guitarist )

After completing a final year's intensive study with the legendary Ike Isaacs, Lawrie set off to develop a career ( and subsequently an admirable reputation ) in the music business. In the 60s Lawrie regularly performed on BBC outside broadcasts with many name Bandleaders, including Frank Cavez from The Savoy. He also broadcast with the Cedric West Jazz Quartet. Lawrie held a chair in the orchestra at The Palladium for a number years during which time he performed for several Royal Variety Shows. His deps have included broadcasts with the BBC Radio Orchestra and in many West End shows including 42nd Street, Fiddler on the Roof, etc. Lawrie has been playing with The Highlanders for 8 years

Terry Seymour ( Drummer - not shown in photograph )

Jazz and Functions Band Drummer & Bandleader. Terry's career began in the late 50s, his earliest musical engagements being with many of the most established bandleaders of the day, to name but a few, Cyril Stapleton, Geraldo and Eric Winston. He has played in 100s of BBC broadcasts and backed many of the greatest stars such as Tommy Cooper, Vera Lynn, Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark. Terry was also engaged for several years as the Latin Percussionist in the Edmundo Ros band. As well as playing for The Highlanders for the past 5 years Terry is the Bandleader of an established Trad & Dixieland Jazz Band. Despite his illustrious career, he continues to maintain that his greatest claim to fame is an impromptu dinner date for two - with Joan Collins !