Bagpipers for Hire in Scotland

Thistle Piping Central Scotland provides pipers to weddings in the UK and Abroad. They also have a regular list of corporate clients and perform at social gatherings, product launches and media events. read on for more about this unique company and for advice on choosing musicians for your special event.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

To provide an accurate quote for a specific event. We need the event date and the venue location along with a rough outline of what playing is required and the length of time the performer will be there. From that, we can provide a confirmed price for the job that is fully inclusive of travel and has no hidden fees.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

When hiring any musician you should always check on their level of competency and musical ability. Clearly, the best way is to hear them live, failing that a video of them playing live is the next best thing. Any overly produced videos or audio recordings may have been studio recorded and not give a wholly true representation of them. There's a lot to be said for a shaky recording from a mobile phone!
Do some research on the internet and listen to a few pipers playing to get an idea of what's good and what's not so good. A great piper won't cost you any more than a poor one.
I would avoid any musician that does not present videos of them playing. Client reviews are also another important area to check out.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

I have played the bagpipes for over 45 years now. In my previous occupation as a Police Officer, I played in the Police Pipe Band for 26 years, 8 years as Pipe Sergeant (Assistant to Bandleader) and 15 years as Pipe Major (Bandleader) arranging and performing at events all over the world. I was involved with Thistle Piping in Aberdeen providing wedding and event pipers. On retiring in 2013 I moved south and set up on my own as Thistle Piping Central Scotland in 2014. I find it extremely satisfying to be a key part of peoples 'life events', whether that is a wedding or a funeral. It is such an important day and I know people can put their trust in me to deliver an excellent product and service.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

Having only recently joined Add to Event and during a pandemic, I have only had one booking so far. It was however a wonderful micro wedding 5 days before Christmas, which was wonderful. Add to Event is a great platform and I love the Credit System for replying to enquiries.