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The Essential Piper

To those in the know, when it comes to occasions requiring a piper of the highest calibre, Colin Whitelaw is the first choice.  He has absolutely earned his reputation as The Essential Piper.

Colin Whitelaw 2021

Obviously you'd expect Colin to be a virtuoso piper and that's a given. However it's his versatility along with his unmatched skills in speaking and presentation that have made him the most in demand piper in the country.

Although incredibly busy as a wedding piper, Colin is also regularly called upon to perform at a host of other events, including memorial services and funerals, corporate events, festivals, military and Masonic events, in fact any time an exceptional piper in immaculate order is essential.

Colin has an extensive variety of uniforms and kilts in a multitude of different tartans. If you're event requires a particular look or theme, it's likely Colin will be able to accommodate you, if not with the exact tartan then with something complimentary in appearance.  He takes enormous pride in and care of his appearance.

Colin is a stickler for punctuality, is friendly and easy to get on with, but solemn and dignified when required. There are no occasions requiring an excellent piper that he doesn't have experience with, but that's not where it ends.

As a gifted speaker, a Burns aficionado and completely comfortable speaking in front of large and learned audiences he simply has no equal. For instance Colin's address to the Haggis is rightly renowned among experts as being the best in the business.  This skill means that you can have the full effect at your next Burns supper rather than settling for second best.

Colin is a full time piper. This is his job and why you can relax knowing you're in the hands of a consummate professional.  As he is full time, Colin is available at any time and in any location world wide. To check if your date is free make a quick enquiry by filling in the short enquiry form with the details of your event and we'll get right back to you with a tailor made quote.

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The Essential Piper

We did something a little bit different and organised for the piper to play on the Sunday morning after our wedding to welcome our guests for breakfast. Our piper was brilliant. He was punctual and professional. He had good communication throughout. Our guests, especially our English relatives couldn’t stop raving about him and he was kind enough to have photos taken also. Would highly recommend. Colin was friendly and approachable and a great musician.

The Essential Piper

Colin was great from getting all the information before the wedding to when we wanted him to play and what style of songs we would like guests loved arriving to traditional Scottish piper playing, and I loved that he played our music when being announced as Mr & Mrs to one of our favourite Scottish songs, he was also great at even helping my husband and wedding party on fixing there kilts and buttonholes before the ceremony. hire a band was also great at contacting me to give me all the information needed before wedding and had come and go with me when I wasn’t 100% sure on the times when booking would definitely recommend

The Essential Piper

The Essential Piper was amazing, played to perfection and looked the part. Booking him will be once less worry as everything will go without a hitch . Highly recommended.

The Essential Piper

Colin - Piper - Superb from start to finish. His experience was obvious from the start & he looked resplendent from Top to Toe. We loved his repertoire & so did the Guests.

Hireaband - Very professional, kept in touch regularly & we had confidence in them. Many thanks & won't hesitate to use you again or recommend to family/friends.

The Essential Piper

Colin was fabulous. Would highly recommend him.
Great piper and lovely to chat too.

The Essential Piper

Great performance and our international guests loved him in his full dress.

The Essential Piper

Our piper was amazing I got goosebumps when I first heard him and everyone said he was incredible. Colin is such a nice man and I would recommend him in the future tell him thanks very much.

The Essential Piper

Colin was really fantastic. He was very considerate to all our needs and did a wonderful job. We would definitely recommend Colin to anyone looking for a great piper for their special day

The Essential Piper

We were so pleased with Colin, the piper. He was brilliant and even stepped in and played when planned music in the church failed which was very much appreciated. Would definitely recommend him to friends.

The Essential Piper

Colin was once again, absolutely amazing. He arrived early as stayed over at the hotel on the night. Guests were very happy and the entire night was a complete success. We would love to have him back again for next year!

The Essential Piper

Just a note to thank you guys for both Cassien and Colin the essential piper. They were both absolutely brilliant and helped make our special day perfect. Please would you pass my thanks on to both - the guests loved them - they totally nailed it!

Thanks once again for arranging this for us!

The Essential Piper

Colin was fantastic. Thank you so much for sourcing.

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Availability and cost

To find out if this act is available and what it would cost to hire them, please fill out the form.

To ensure the quote is as accurate as possible, remember to tell us the postcode or nearest town to your venue. Good Luck!