Welcome to the home of AJ Bagpipes - Based in Bolton Greater Manchester - In the North West of England.
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 taught to play by Pipe Major John Bruce of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.You may recall that bands No1 hit in the charts? - 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 Army 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.
Whilst in the Black Watch I played for several heads of state and for the Royal Family on numerous occasions.
I am currently a Piper with the Scots Guards Association - Manchester Branch - Pipes and Drums.
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: Myself pictured Piping during the - "March On Parade" - at Balmoral Castle on August 3r
d 2007 . The Royal Guard was from "F" Company 1st Battalion The Scots Guards - and footage of the parade was shown on TV in Scotland.
2007 saw me playing at many weddings, numerous Burns Night Suppers and various other engagements.
The "Highlights" for me were a wedding at the historic Crewe Hall in Cheshire,and of course New Year, which saw me play in several locations on what is always a night to remember.
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.
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.
Photo Left. Pipers of 1st Battalion The Black Watch during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1986.I am just off centre left in the distance.
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 the 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.But if you have a special request or preference then the choice is yours.After all its your day.
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.
A Few Testimonials:
All our guests commented on how fantastic the Piper was,very friendly and extremely profesional. We would recommend him - He helped make our day magical. Mr and Mrs D Christie, Macclesfield, Cheshire.July 2007.
Andy was great - nothing was too much trouble for him.Very smart and thorough throughout.Simply excellent.He added that extra something to the occasion. Mr and Mrs A Larder. Accrington, Lancashire.June 2006.
A top notch Piper - with a friendly personality.Andys Piping in the registry office was awsome - What a spectacular sound.We would be more than happy to recommend him. Mr and Mrs R Lyle, Bolton,Lancashire.June 2002.
Contact
email ajbagpipes@hotmail.co.uk
AJ Bagpipes - Piper For Hire,
72 Campbell Street,Bolton.
BL4 7HH.
Home: 01204 432398 - Mobile: 07944 727 255
AJ Bagpipes is listed on the following sites:
Bagpiper Net - Find and Hire a Piper,Worldwide.
Cambridge Bagpiper - Piper Roy Sloane.
Event Management UK - The Complete Event Portal.
Wedding Directories - Online Wedding Supplier & Advice Centre.
