The Scottish bagpipes can add a special touch to any funerall with their unique haunting melodies. They have been played at funerals for hundreds of years to bade farewell to dearly loved ones.

Church / Chapel Service

I am often required to greet the hearse at the church gates and lead the coffin into the church and down the aisle or I can simply just perform at the side of the church doors while the coffin and mourners enter the church. Sometimes I am asked to perform a piece of music during the church service.At the end of the service I am generally required to lead the coffin out of the church (or perform at the church doors as it is carried out) and play while it is placed back into the hearse

If the deceased is being buried close to the church I will generally pipe in front of the hearse and lead it into the cemetery.

Burial

I am generally required to play while the coffin is being taken from the hearse to the graveside and while it is being lowered into the grave and afterwards as loved ones gather and disperse. Sometimes the pipes can be more effective being played quite a distance away from the graveside. On occasion I have walked away while playing so that mourners can here them fading in the distance.

Cremation

I will generally play as the coffin is taken from the hearse and into the crematorium. I will either stand at the doors or lead it into the chapel and keep playing until all mourners are seated. I am often asked to play during the service while the wreath is laid, or while the curtain is drawn. I will then play at the end of the service as mourners leave the crematorium.

Testimonials

'We just had Ed perform at my Fathers funeral.
 His communication was excellent.
He was on time and very aware of the feelings of the family.
His bagpipes moved everyone to tears.
I would recommend Ed to everyone funerals and weddings.
Keep up the tradition Ed.'

- Denise Hamilton Westerveld (Hull)

'Just a note to say thankyou so much for yesterday, I am sorry I was unable to thankyou in person but unfortunately it was very emotional. So many people commented on how great you were, and it made a very unhappy day very special and something to remember in a good way. I will be keeping your number and will defiantly recommend you, however hopefully for a more merry occasion.'

-Georgina Fairbairn (and all the Fairbairn family) (Oulton, Leeds)

'Just wanted to say thank you for helping make Robert's Tree Planting Dedication so perfect. It was everything I wanted it to be.'

-Angie Clayton (Skipton)

'Hi i would like to say a big thankyou to Ed Arnold who played the bagpipes at my mothers funeral on 11/04/2007 he did a fantastic job in finding the music to The Fields of Athenry and learning it at such short notice so again a big thankyou'

-Mrs S Vassallo (Preston)