Before becoming the hottest duo on the airwaves, Archie Bogle & Ruaridh McLean had humble beginnings.

A bit about Ru
Hailing from Portobello, McLean is a born and bred Edinburgh boy. A product of Trinity Academy, McLean’s love for design and art started at a young age. This passion really found its groove when he realised he could turn his doodles into something bigger. Starting at Edinburgh Napier University in 2021, McLean graduated top of his class with a BDes (Hons) Graphic Design, winning the University Medal for his work across his studies. Furthermore, McLean was awarded a Creative Conscious award, as well as being awarded membership of the ITSD. Wanting to turn his projects into something real, he enrolled straight onto the MSc Creative Advertising to get his advertising career rolling.

A bit about Archie
Bringing the Scottish Borders to the big stage, Bogle followed a winding road to get to the advertising stage. Throughout his time at Eyemouth High School, Bogle had to do a self-proclaimed “Troy Bolton”, at a crossroads between his two loves, theatre and rugby. Choosing rugby, he went on to represent Scotland at age-grade level and signed a Scottish Rugby Academy contract. With rugby ongoing, Bogle enrolled in BA (Hons) English & Film at Edinburgh Napier University, graduating with a 2:1 in 2024. Opting to take a gap year before starting MSc Creative Advertising, he began working as an Experience Ambassador at The Johnnie Walker Experience. Mastering the art of the pitch and the sell, Bogle went back to his studies to with ready to put his creative skills to the test.

A month into their studies, the duo had their first collab track, landing on a brief for Danish beer, Tuborg. That very first idea we had? It went on to be a D&AD award-winning campaign. We had to challenge it, adapt it and fight for it, but ultimately, it was that very first idea that went all the way.

“Make it big, keep it simple” is the mantra. We know the importance of working an idea to make it as clear as possible, always aiming to describe an idea in 25 words or less. With Bogle doing the words and Ruz doing the pictures (how we explain our roles to our grandparents), we have taken on many briefs as a team and as part of wider groups.

We approach every challenge looking to work hard, think big, seek feedback and go again. The most valuable lesson we’ve learned is that inspiration can come from anywhere, and it pays to be an open book that is willing to learn and adapt.

With the studies now under their belts, we’re looking to continue their love of performing on the main stage. As a duo, we won a placement at The Lane Agency in Edinburgh, crafting a creative deck for one of their media clients to try and diversify their current socials. Previously, as solo artists, they have completed internships at Emperor, Multiply & Genoa Black.

Now they’re onto their next opportunity: The Union. The Union has been an Edinburgh institution for a long time, and the lads have come in to show they mean business. After winning the Marketing Society Scotland’s ‘Aspiring Creative Star’ award, the prize was a four-week internship. However, thanks to the duo’s smooth harmonising and stellar stage presence, they were extended until October.

Big ideas are here to stay. Working on multiple ScottishPower briefs, helping win new business with Baxters and ScottishPower, being entrusted with all creative for Elivia Homes, as well as writing thought leadership pieces for their website, the lads haven’t been short of action since they began. When it comes to their graduation in October, the lads will be lucky enough to say that they are graduating with five months of industry experience, and they couldn’t be more thrilled about it.

Looking for your next chart topper? Get in touch today.

Archie Bogle, Copywriter, based in Edinburgh
– archie.bogle@outlook.com

Ruaridh McLean, Art Director, based in Edinburgh
– ruzzzgraphics@gmail.com