For the pipes, I am completely self-contained. No electricity needed!

If I am providing a piano, I just need a space of about 3 square meters and a power point. All my equipment is PAT tested and I have full public liability insurance.

Soundwise I am completely self-contained; I don't use a lighting rig.

Entry and parking information.

Unfortunately not - I do not travel with PA for pipes performances; and for piano performances I use an amplifier only suitable for the piano, not for general PA use.

They are a softer and mellower sound than the Great Highland Bagpipes, and while they are loud enough to work beautifully for a procession in and out of a ceremony, they are also soft enough for your guests to be able to have a conversation over the top of them. For some gigs, I even sing along with the pipes!

The most fun gigs I've done was playing pipes on Series 2 episode 2 of the comedy show Outsiders (Dave) - I was on a team with comedians Phil Wang and Fatiha El-Ghorri, and mezzo-soprano Jenny Coleman; we played for the delight of David Mitchell, Maisie Adam, Joe Wilkinson, Jessica Hynes, and Darren Harriot. A really fun day, plus I got to dress as a medieval minstrel!

My favourite song of all time is probably Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell; some of my favourite pipers are Kathryn Tickell, Andy May, and Pauline Cato... and my favourite tune to play on the pipes is "Our Kate" by Kathryn Tickell.

I've been playing solo and in bands for functions since 1996. I have eaten my own body weight in wedding cake several times over!

Love a wedding ceremony - and I'm not ashamed to admit I always have to keep a hanky ready! 🥹

Pipes setup takes about 10-15 minutes;
Piano setup takes about 15-20 minutes.

Pipes sets in ceremonies are usually playing one tune for the entrance, a set of 2-3 for the signing, and another for the exit procession.

Piano sets for drinks receptions are usually 1 hour; for wedding breakfasts usually 2 hours with a 10 minute break at the half way point.

I am happy to perform outside, but must insist on cover if there is any chance of inclement weather.

Of course! I am happy to learn a few specific songs before the event (usually up to 5), and I often work with clients to choose specific tunes if they are unsure of what they'd like, especially for weddings and memorial services.

I often hear that a nervous bride or bridegroom immediately feels a sense of peace and security when they hear me playing as they begin their entrance. You know the ceremony's starting, the beautiful music is in the air, and everything is going to go just fine.

I typically wear a dark blue suit, with a tie and pocket square of my family tartan. I do not wear a kilt/sporan etc.

For memorial services, I am happy to wear a black suit.