Phil McConnell - Traditional Highland Bagpiper for hire

Hello, My name is Phil McConnell, I have been playing the Highland Bagpipes for nearly 40 years. I was taught to play the pipes by Malcolm Hilton, an ex pipe Corporal of the Gordon Highlanders, at the time he was Pipe Major of the Clan Macleod pipe band.

The Clan McLeod pipe band - Pipe Major Evan McRae (front Left)

During these years the band was honoured at the arrival of pipe Major Evan MacRae of the Cameron highlanders he became pipe major of the band and took it into grade three. In 1975 I joined the Warrington pipe band, that same year the Warrington band won the world championships in grade 3 and they were also proclaimed champions of champions for having the most points in the major pipe band championship and where promoted into grade 2. The following year the band came 2nd in the Scottish championships grade 2. Later in my pipe band years I joined St Georges Chorley pipe band grade 2 and stayed for 9 years before going back to Warrington band as pipe Sergeant.

 

I have been playing the highland bagpipes for over 40 years as well as playing on horse guards parade in the presence of our royal family, and together with one thousand pipers, I played at the opening ceremony of the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

 

Testimonials

Hi Phil,
Just wanted to say a massive Thank You for making our day so special. You were brilliant and everyone has been saying how much they enjoyed listening to you. You looked great and from the first time we heard you we thought you were amazing! Thanks again to a true gentleman for making us have such a happy day. Be in touch again, anybody reading this, please book Phil - he makes your day magical! Lisa and Paul Dearden - July 2011
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History of the Bagpipes

Bagpipes existed in many forms in many places around the world. In each country the basic instrument was the same, a bag with a chanter and one or more drones. Some of these were mouth blown while others used a bellows attachment to supply the air. The bag provided a sustained tone while the musician took a breath and allowed several tones to be played at once. The origins of the pipes in Scotland is uncertain. Some say it was a Roman import. Others believe that the instrument came from Ireland as the result of colonization. > more

 

 

Traditional Highland Bagpiper for all occasions

I can offer a variety of styles of dress including;

• Full dress with feather bonnet
• Evening dress with dinner jacket white shirt and Dickie bow tie
• Day dress with blazer jacket.white shirt and tie
• Three-tartan kilts Ancient MacDonald of the Isle, Black Stewart, Ancient Cameron

 

Whatever your special occasion, contact us today to discuss your requirements. click here to complete our simple contact form.

I was born in Inverness and lived in Fort Augustus when I was very young, before my father and mother moved to Liverpool - the home of my mother. My grand father and grand mother moved to Fort Augustus from Inverness when my grand father took over as engineer of the famous tug boat 'The Scott'. > more

 

Burns Night

Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire on the 25th January 1759. Every year on the 25th January or around that date the world celebrates the life and work of the most famous of all Scottish poets, Robert Burns. > more

Wedding Piper

The bride and the bride's maids will also be greeted before being piped in to the ceremony. I can play during the ceremony, a hymn such as Amazing grace. Or during the signing of the register. I will play as the guests are leaving and provide a few tunes while pictures are being taken. > more

Funeral Piper

To mourn the passing of a loved one a Traditional piper can play at a funeral service as a means of respect and is the perfect send off for your loved one. > more