What makes Alba Bagpipes different to the other bagpiper services in the North East?

There are many bagpipers and agencies offering their services in and around the North East of Scotland.  Each bagpiper will have a differing level of competency and experience.  At Alba Bagpipes we only ever provide bagpipers who have experience of playing at Grade 2 or above level and with a minimum 10 years experience.  This ensures your bagpiper is of the highest calibre and will compliment your event or occasion perfectly.

What does Grade 2 level mean?

Grade 2 is the second highest competing grade in the pipe band world.  A piper competing at Grade 2 level will be an able competent musician and will have a great deal of experience.  Always check which  Grade your piper plays in.  Anything less than Grade 2 will mean they perhaps don’t take their piping seriously and may not provide the service expected from or indeed delivered by a professional piper

Why do you say “professional pipers”?

At Alba Bagpipes we offer professional bagpipers for hire.  We say professional as our pipers are just that…..professionals.   Alba Bagpipes is a fully registered for tax business.  A great many of the other bagpipers or agencies  will not be tax registered and will usually fall below the expected standard of a professional bagpiper.  Indeed you may well find a bagpiper offering you a cheaper quote than ourselves but bear in mind the competency of that piper.  Why go to the expense of organising a big event or fairy tail wedding just to settle for a cheaper alternative.  As with anything else in the world, price reflects quality and it is as true as ever in the bagpiping world.

Can we hear the piper play?

Of course.  We have gone to great lengths to provide professional recordings of our bagpipers so that you can listen and decide for yourself the competency of our players.  These can be accessed through our media page.   We would always advise against booking a piper unless you have heard them play.

Can we have pictures with the piper?

Certainly.  In fact we encourage this.  Our piper will be more than happy to pose with you in front of the cameras.  We sometimes ask for a copy to use on our website and greatly appreciate any pictures you may be willing to provide.

What music will my piper play?

Again a very popular questions.  Our pipers play literally hundreds of different tunes and it would be impossible to name them all.  The recordings on our media page are a sample of the popular bagpipe tunes played at weddings and other events.  If you have a specific tune you would like played just let us know and we will do our very best to play it.  We have had requests for a variety of tunes and indeed songs over the years and are always happy to assist where possible.

What will my piper wear?

Our pipers will always be turned out in immaculate dress.   You have the option of booking a piper in what we call No.1 or No.2 dress.  The No.1 or full military style Highland wear  consists of a kilt, tunic, horse hair sporran, spats and diced hose, full plaid with Cairngorm brooch and a feather bonnet.  The No.2 uniform is a slightly less formal but equally as smart option and consists of a kilt, Argyll jacket, shirt and tie, ghillie brogues, and a sporran.

How do I make a booking.

Simply complete our online booking form and we will send you an entertainment agreement.  This will contain all the information pertaining to your booking.  Your booking will be confirmed on receipt of the signed entertainment agreement and deposit.

How do I pay for my piper?

We accept cash, Cheque or BACS transfer.

Deposits are usually paid at the time of booking with the remainder falling due on the day of the performance and can be paid directly to the piper.