Steve McVeigh aka Bugpiper

[McClef]

I cannot find him listed as an X Marks member but it is still of course sad to hear of the loss of a talented piper.

[Lon Scot Reg Secretary]

Steve McViegh was a talented piper who serving in The Gordon Highlanders, The London Scottish, and The Hong Kong Defense Force, a 'retired' actor (Tai Pan alongside Bryan Brown), a Private Investigator, and as Bugpiper - an authority on Scottish Military uniform past and present. He kept the product of regimental sporrans going almost single handed, and was known to just about everyone in the business. On top of that you'll be delighted to know that he was really nice bloke, a dedicated father and husband, and lived life to the full. Although he was only 50 ish, he packed more in to his time with us than two or three others.

Obviously the family are devestated. He had just been given the all clear from the Doctors on suspected throut cancer when he had a massive stroke. I spoke to him the week before and he was his normal larger than life, cheerful self. We spoke about regimental items and kilts and joked about the yardage require by a mutual friend who was in need of a new kilt (His previous one having been at the damp end of his wardrobe, and had 'shrunk').

Friends and family are helping with the business so please be patience. There have been problems as Steve kept most things in his head. His wife doesn't have the years of knowledge that Steve had, but the latest I heard was that she was going to press on selling the bits currently online, and would probably continue the kilt business.

Although I was unable to make the funeral which I heard was very well attended, I sent a wreath from the Regiment.

He piped at my sister's wedding in 1986, charmed all the single girls and some of the married ones as well, and was the only piper who could play as fast and as well as he did, even after a 'few' pints. My lasting memory of him was as a young, very thin, Corporal Piper on exercise on Salisbury Plain in the '80s. We had gone 'non tactical' for the evening, someone had lit a fire and there were a few cans being passed around, and he started playing his pipes. He marched up a hill playing. It was a warm evening and the sound of his pipes playing mystical tunes from the past was fantastic. He played on, stopping for short rests, and got faster and faster, until he collapsed, out of tune in a heap, from exhaustion and the single malt that was in the empty bottle we found next to him the following morning! He was up at reveille, bright and ready to go again, always laughing and joking.

We’ll not see the likes of him again. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

[Lon Scot Reg Secretary]

Steve McVeigh, 1983, serving with The London Scottish Regiment.

[Chas]

Thank you, Lon Scot Reg Secretary - a fitting tribute.

[Marshall]

As has been indicated Steve's items on Ebay are still available. If you had purchased anything from Steve previously most likely you received an email from Gordon Wright (gordywright92@gmail.com), or an email via Ebay. I was able to pick up a pair of hose working from the Ebay listing and then directly with Gordon.

(I hope I'm not posting anything improper or in violation of forum rules, but I'm sure continued sales will help the family through this sad time.)

[Pearson]

Has anyone had an update yet on what is happening with the business? I was on the verge of getting on a plane to specifically visit from New Zealand when I heard about Steve McVeigh's death on this website. I have sent emails but to date I have not yet had a response which is understandable in the circumstances. I am looking to replace an ex-army Black Watch kilt and accessories (existing kilt has finally been put away after 80 years service) which I am needing by Christmas. If anyone knows of another supplier of ex-army kilts that may have stock can you please let me know the contact details. Thank you

[KiltFitz]

I hope you get a response from bugpiper's business but you could look at this post:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ilts-uk-80057/