Russell started drumming at the age of 9 and was taught by Eddie Mogey of the Houghton-Le-Spring Pipe Band.

On moving to Dunoon, Russell joined the Dunoon Grammar School Pipe Band, which was under the tuition of Bobbie Davie. He was appointed the leading drummer and enjoyed winning many drumming prizes through the three seasons in the juvenile grade.

After the school band, Russell moved to the Dunoon Argyll Grade 3B Pipe Band and then onto Johnstone Grade 2 Pipe Band  (both under the instruction of his tutor, Bobbie Davie).

During his time with these bands, Russell contributed to winning several drumming accolades such as Scottish Champions, 1st for drumming at the Scottish Championships and also 1st place for drumming at the Cowal Championships 3 times.

In 2009, Russell joined ScottishPower Grade 1 Pipe Band. ScottishPower won several prizes at all major competitions including 1st place Overall at the British Championships and 1st place for Drumming at the Scottish Championships. In 2023, Russell joined Inveraray and District Pipe Band and went on that year to achieve 1st place overall at the European Championships.

Also in the winter of 2009, Russell was asked to help tutor Paisley Novice Juvenile Pipe Band who went on the following year to achieve 3rd place in drumming at the World Pipe Band Championships. 

In August 2013 Russell moved to New Zealand to become the Leading Drummer of the Grade 1 City Of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band and also tutor their Grade 4 and 4B bands. During his time there, Russell helped the band attain 2nd place for drumming at the New Zealand National Championships.

Alongside taking part in Pipe Band competitions, Russell has performed at events such as opening of The Live Earth Concert in 2007 (along with Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Roger Taylor from Queen), the BBC Hogmanay Show in 2008, the Longs Peak Scottish and Irish Festival in Estes Park, Colorado and the opening the Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.