Bagpipers of Distinction

Description

Bagpipers of Distinction is a unique organisation established in Edinburgh, Scotland, committed to the provision of the best quality Scottish Great Highland Bagpipers for your pleasure for any occasion, wherever, whenever you require.

The combination of a piper in highland dress and the stirring sound of the pipes adds a special sense of occasion to any event, and will make your day more memorable.

Bagpipers of Distinction is run not by an anonymous agent or manager who knows little about piping and the needs of the public, but by an association of experienced pipers who fully understand their customers' needs and have experience of playing for many different types of events and clientele. This enables us to select only the very best musicians to play for you. Indeed, the high standard of our pipers is frequently commented upon. Each year our pipers collect an impressive number of trophies at solo and pipe band competitions.

Furthermore, if any of our customers are unsure as to piping tradition and protocol for certain events (such as weddings, or Burns Suppers), our pipers are always happy to advise. Please view the services page in order to see the full range of services we provide.

Historically, pipers have been used for centuries in the Highlands of Scotland to mark the passing of loved ones, whether the deceased were an average person, clan chief or soldier. The emotive sound of the Bagpipes makes the use of a piper at a funeral very appropriate. Indeed, Bagpipes are increasingly being recognised all over the world as the ideal send off for a departed loved one.

Bagpipers of Distinction can also provide a bugler, who would play "Last Post" followed by "Reveille", after the period of silence following the lament played by the piper.

The piper can play at a number of occasions during a service, whether it is a burial or a cremation:

Cremations

~ Arrival of the hearse at the crematorium
~ While the coffin is removed from the hearse and taken inside the crematorium
~ During wreath laying
~ When the curtain is drawn
~ At the end of the service as people leave the crematorium

Burials

~ Arrival of the congregation at the chapel
~ While the coffin is taken from the chapel to the hearse
~ Leading the coffin from the hearse to the graveside
~ As the coffin is lowered into the grave
~ After the coffin has been lowered, a slow march can be played as piper marches from the graveside having the sound of the pipes fading into the distance

There are a number of tunes that are appropriate for playing at funerals. You can have the piper play a particular tune or selection of tunes at a particular point in the proceedings if you so wish. Please remember that the tunes listed below are suggestions. You can select other pieces as well.

The Flowers O' the Forest
The Dark Island
Amazing Grace
My Home
Highland Cathedral
The Skye Boat Song
The Mist Covered Mountains
Lochaber No More
Flower of Scotland
The Mull of Kintyre
Johnnie Cope (Reveille)