funeral bagpiper

Edinburgh

funeral bagpiper

Edinburgh

Bagpiper for Funeral Edinburgh

Piper for Funeral – As much that a bagpiper plays in in times of celebration and joy, the bagpipes have for centuries been synonymous with times of mourning and remembrance. Having a bagpiper for a funeral is an ancient tradition in Scotland. As a piper for funerals in Edinburgh, I can help you mark the passing of a loved one by playing both poignant and celebratory funeral bagpipe music if desired, at appropriate points during a funeral service. I’m a funeral piper for burials, cremations, and interment or scattering of ashes ceremonies, for all beliefs and denominations.

When does a bagpiper play at a funeral?

A funeral of a loved one is a deeply personal occasion. I know from experience that arranging a funeral is a very difficult, and you may not know when a piper at a funeral should play. The service you have planned will be unique and will reflect the wishes of you and the departed loved one’s family. As a funeral piper I am here to compliment your plans. This is often best discussed on the telephone or in-person, so I will contact you as soon as possible if you are looking a bagpiper for a funeral.

When piping at a funeral, unlike when piping at a wedding, I wear the Piper’s Day Dress kilt outfit which I feel is more appropriate. Of course, I can dress in the ceremonial Piper’s No.1 Full Highland Dress if you wish for more ceremony to be added to the Funeral Service.

Please jump to Funeral Bagpipe Music to listen to the many different tunes and songs I can play as a Funeral Bagpiper.

★★★★★

Hi Glyn, just wanted to thank you for attending my Mum’s funeral and playing her favourite songs on the bagpipes. She would have absolutely loved this, so you have helped give her the special send-off which she truly deserved. Love from all the family.

Eileen, Nov 23

Piper for Funeral – Cremation

Funeral Cortege at the Family Home

A bagpiper playing at the family home allows neighbours and friends who may not be able to attend the funeral, pay their respects, and it appropriately marks the beginning of the departed loved one’s final journey. I’ll start piping as the cortege enters the street and stops outside the home, and continue playing for a short while before making my way to the location of the funeral service.

Arrival of the hearse at the Service

I will meet the hearse as it arrives at the venue of the funeral service, and proceed to play in front of the hearse and lead it to the door of the crematorium, church or chapel.

As the coffin’s removed from the hearse

Here I will play as the coffin is removed from the hearse, and readied to be brought into the funeral service. I will stand outside the door piping as the coffin-bearers take the coffin and lay it to rest inside where the service is being held.

Into the Service

Here I will play the bagpipes as the coffin is carried into the funeral service by the pall-bearers. I will normally stand outside as the coffin is taken in, and then turn and walk away from the door of the venue of funeral service while still playing. Those inside at the service will hear the bagpipes fade away as the coffin is laid to rest upon the catafalque (raised platform), and the doors of the funeral service venue are are closed.

Reflection Music – Scottish Small Pipes

If required, I can play some music during the service. Here I play Scottish Small Pipes which are much more mellow and quieter than the Highland Bagpipes, and are entirely appropriate to be be played inside at a funeral.

Final Respects

Once the funeral service has concluded and those in attendance are making their way outside, I’ll play a short distance away while people are gathering and paying their final respects.

Piper for Funeral – Burial

As a Funeral Piper playing at a Burial I can play at many of times detailed above for a Cremation. However, with a Burial there’s likely to be a procession to the graveside. Piping as the coffin is lowered into the ground is a particularly appropriate time for a piper to play at a Burial.

Procession to the Graveside

I will play in front of the funeral procession as the coffin is brought to the graveside by the hearse or by pallbearers, and lead the funeral procession to the graveside. I’ll start from the church or chapel, or at the gates of the cemetary if the funeral service has been held elsewhere.

Lowering of the Coffin

From a short distance away I’ll play a slow air or lament as the coffin is lowered into ground. I can play my way away from the graveside so the pipes fade into the distance to allow time for reflection.

Reflection Music

Instead of piping while the coffin is being lowered, I play a slow air or lament after the the coffin has been lowered into the ground. At this point I can play my way away from the graveside so the pipes fade into the distance to allow time for reflection.

Recession from the Graveside

Once the service at the graveside is concluded, I can play the funeral attendees back out of the ceremony. Typically I will play some slightly more upbeat tunes here, to help celebrate the life of the departed.

Bagpiper for Funeral – Interment of Ashes

An Interment of Ashes ceremony can take place at a burial plot after the cremation, or you can choose to bring the ashes of your loved one to a burial plot at a later date, for example, if the cremation was held overseas. The location and order of service will be unique, and is often not as formal as a Cremation or Burial Service. This means you may have a lot more scope to mark the occasion as you wish.

Having a piper play for the interment of ashes of a loved one who lived overseas, but is laid to rest in Scotland is particularly meaningful. I’m proud to play for such an occasion.

bagpiper for interment of ashes

Bagpiper for Funeral – Scattering of Ashes

Having a piper play at a Scattering of Ashes ceremony for a departed loved one, provides a tremendous send-off. I am always very honoured to play a part in such an occasion. Such an occasion will obviously be entirely unique to you and your family, and may be performed at many entirely different types of location. Please get in touch to discuss your plans further. I would love to help you mark the occasion.

Bagpiper for Funeral – Prices

How much is a bagpiper for a funeral?
A bagpiper for a funeral costs between £130 and £160, depending on if you wish the piper to play at the family home as well at the funeral service.

Funeral Service only

£150Cremation or Burial
  • Arrival of the Funeral Cortege at the Service
  • Pipe the departed into the Service
  • Scottish Small Pipes during Reflection
  • After the Service during Final Respects
book now

Family Home and Funeral Service

£180
  • Funeral Cortege’s arrival at Family Home
  • Arrival of the Funeral cortege at the Service
  • Pipe the departed into the Service
  • Scottish Small Pipes during Reflection
  • After the Service during Final Respects
book now