Callum "Heather Jock" Watson was born in 1962 and has played the pipes since the age of 9 and was initially taught by his Father Alex Watson and then Jimmy McRoberts from Annan. Callum started his Pipe Band playing days with the Annan Ex-Service Club in 1972, and was a member of the World Championship winning grade 2 band in 1986. He thereafter played with the band in Grade 1 until 1990, when he left to help start the Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary band.
Callum says, "Piping is my only real hobby which I believe has to be the case if your going to take it seriously." Superintendent George Graham the band manager, actually thought policing was his hobby and piping his profession.
Callum is presently a Police Officer in Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and is stationed at Moffat near Lockerbie and has 14 years service.
Callum is well renowned for leading from the front.....except in the beer tent!!

When did you start playing and who with?

I started in 1971 at the age of 9, taught initially by my father. My first, and only band, prior to Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, was Annan Royal British Legion which then became Annan Ex-Service Club and I played the majority of my years under PM Walter Cowan who took the band through the ranks into Grade 1.

What inspired you to start playing?

My father and both my brothers, Ian and Les, were already playing by the time I was 9 and so it seemed only natural with all that piping going on in the house that I should take it up too.

What other bands do you like to see and hear?

The usual top bands like Simon Fraser University, Scottish Power, Shotts and Dykehead but especially, Strathclyde Police - they've been a firm favourite of mine for many years now.

Who/What has influenced you in your playing?

My father was always a big influence, as was my former tutor, the late Jimmy McRoberts.

Do you have any favourite tunes or musical pieces?

I enjoy a huge range of pipe tunes but have a particular liking for 6/8 marches, my favourite being GS McLennan's excellent tune - the Braemar Gathering.

Are there any particular pipe band or solo performances that stand out in you mind?

Yes, there are a few performances that I don't think I'll ever forget. Strathclyde Police's MSR in the 1989 World Championships was outstanding. Hugh Kennedy, The Ewe Wi' the Crookit Horn and Mrs McPherson of Inveran it was ahead of its time and there still has not been many to top it.Simon Fraser University's performance in the medley contest of the 1995 Worlds - excellent to listen to and and some outstanding playing with a superb tone. Also Field Marshall Montgomery in Ireland in 2001 when they won the British Championships. It was superb too.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a Police Officer working in the Dumfries Division at Moffat sampling tea and scones.

What other hobbies do you have?

None what-so-ever, I've no bloody time!

What other types of music do you like to listen to?

I have a very varied musical taste but classical is a favourite.

Do you play any other instruments?

Im learning the piano at the moment.

What, if anything, annoys you in the pipeband world?

Inconsistent judging - it bugs the crap out of me.

What's been the best band trip (not necessarily with D&G Police)?

The band's trip to Skye in 1997 as part of a 999 exhibition. I won't say anything more though, just take my word that it was an excellent trip!

What are the highlights of your playing career?

Winning the Grade 4 Worlds at Glasgow and the bands two successes at Cowal winning the grade three in 1995 and the grade two in 2001.

And are there any low points?

The death of one of the founder members of the band, Dougie McLaren, in 1993.

What are your goals within the pipe band world?

Quite simply to have the band sounding the best it possibly can. We've done not bad so far but the potential is there to do better and I believe it can be done.

Finally, if you could be re-incarnated as anyone, at any point in history, who would it be?

Ian McLellan. He was a brilliant pipe major who was able to sustain the success of the band through many personel changes.