For hundreds of years the music of the Great Highland Bagpipe has inspired,enchanted and enthralled its listeners.
The magical sound of the pipes at your event will never be forgotten by those present - The music and the sight of the Piper will add to the atmosphere and excitment - something which no other musical instrument can possibly do.
My Name is Andy and I have been a Piper for some thirty years.I was initially taught to play as a Boy Soldier by Pipe Major John Bruce of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, famous for the No1 hit Amazing Grace.
On completion of my piping and military training, I joined The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).
During my time in The Black Watch I played at many pestigious engagements all over the UK, Europe and North America.This included performances at the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1985 and 1986.
In 1986 I was part of the the "Guard of Honour" formed from men of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, and inspected by by HRH Prince Philip, during the Opening Ceremony of The 13th Commonwealth Games.
I have also played for members of the British Royal family,members of the aristocracy and several heads of state.
These engagements include playing for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau of Canada, in Quebec in 1984 and also at a "Bilderberg Group" conference at Gleneagles in 1986,which was chaired by Lord Carrington.
Of course, being in The Black Watch I had the honour of performing before Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (our Colonel In Chief) on several occasions, and also for Her Majesty The Queen, in Edinburgh,Balmoral and West Berlin.
I am currently a piper with the Scots Guards Association - Manchester Branch - Pipes and Drums. This year (2009) our band celebrates its 50th Anniversary, and we have recorded a CD to commemorate this occasion.
Guest artistes on the CD include, The Band of The Prince of Wales Division (Clive) and "Rock Legend" George Borowski and The Fabulous Wonderfuls.
By the way,George is the guy who inspired the Dire Straits lyric "Check out guitar George, he knows all the chords..."
In 2007 I was part of a combined Scots Guards Association Pipe Band which played for HM The Queen at Balmoral castle on Royal Deeside.
This was a first - Whereby a "civilian" (albeit a Regimental Association) Pipe band played for Her Majesty as part of Her Royal Guard at Balmoral.
Photo Below: Pipes and Drums of The Scots Guards Association, at Balmoral Castle in August 2007. The Royal Guard was from "F" Company 1st Battalion The Scots Guards - and footage of the parade was shown on TV in Scotland.
In bygone times the Highland Clan Piper was considered a "Gentleman",and as such was part of the Chief`s retinue - In time of war the Piper would help to call out and rally the Clan.He would play his Pipes at the start of Battle - then would give them to his Ghillie (servant),draw his broadsword and join in with the charge.
The Pipers of the famous Scottish Regiments draw much of their ethos and inspiration from such times and also from other Pipers who have served before them in their own Regiments.
Regimental Pipers are much respected within the Regiment, many being well known characters because of the high profile role they play within the unit on a day to day basis.The music of the Pipes itself is an important reminder to the whole Regiment of where they as a "Regimental Family" come from,and points back to the brave deeds of their ancestors.
Many fine Pipe tunes have been written by Soldier Pipers in times of war.
Tunes such a "The Battle of Waterloo" - "The Highland Brigade at Magersfontien" and "The Battle of the Somme" are popular standards amongst Pipers.
Photo Above: Pipers of 1st Battalion The Black Watch during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1986.I am just off centre left in the distance.
There is no doubt that Pipers like myself who have come from such an enviroment -whereby Piping was and still is a way of life - can and will add that something special to any event.
Coming from the type of Piping background that I have described to you I feel that I am qualified to offer you my services as your "Personal Piper".
Whether It be for your Wedding, Corporate Event, New Years Party or Masonic function etc - the list is endless - I can and will, give you and your guests a time to remember - for all the right reasons!
Of course, I also play for funerals too.Nothing is more poignant than the sight of Piper and sound of the Pipes preceding the cortege prior to the service, and then afterwards the Piper playing in the distance during the commital.
Whatever the event I will gladly advise organisers as to which tunes are most appropriate to the occasion.
My prices are amongst the most competitive in the North West of England and start from £100. Travel expenses will be added to the final fee, and a non returnable deposit of £20 is also required upon booking.
