This is one of Scotland’s most loved tunes. Highland Cathedral is a classsic that is used to wake the Queen when she stays at Balmoral Castle, and it is the primary tune used as the Bride walks down the isle. There is a great version of this on video by looking up Highland Cathedral by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. It is performed in a Church to perfection.
Highland Cathedral
Scotland The Brave
This is the definitive marching classic from Scotland that everyone seems to know. Listen to the first 3 notes and you will pretty much know which tune it is.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a well known staple of Pipe music all around the world.
Goin' Home
Goin’ Home is a sister tune to Amazing Grace born of the same origins. It is usually played at the end of a grave-side service as the Piper turns 180 degrees and walks away from the gathering playing this tune. There is nothing quite like it. The best vocal version I have heard is done by the Morman Tabernacle Choir and the soloist is simply amazing! Have a box of tissues close by.
It can also be heard in Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”.
Marhi's Wedding
This tune is an upbeat jaunty ditty that is perfect for the close of the Wedding Ceremony as the Piper walks from the back, up to the Newly-Weds. The best vocal version is done by Van Morrison. Check it out.
Flower Of Scotland
This is one of Scotland’s “Anthems” that is loved by pretty much everyone. One listen and you will see why. You might also want to look up the lyrics, as that tells the rest of the story.
Skye Boat Song (The Highlander Theme)
Possibly my most requested tune. Very pretty, and again, you may want to see the lyrics to see how it is used for about any occasion.
Auld Lang Syne
This is Robert Burns crowning moment in song. He was a great poet but as a song writer…not so much.
This song, however, is known the world over and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t know the lyrics.
Your Music Selections
If you are of Celtic origins, you most likely have an idea about several hundred selections that I might play for you. If on the other hand, you are not all that familiar with Scottish or Irish tunes, it might be better to just ask me what I might think about playing for a certain moment at your event. Hopefully, I will come up with something you and your guests will enjoy.
Keep in mind that the biggest drawback to playing tunes on the Great Highland Bagpipes is that A: They are loud, and B: I only have nine blasted notes that I have access to…and i mean that figuratively and literally. So, please know that the catalog of songs that are available goes way beyond the few tunes that are listed here…but when putting up a web-site, you tend to draw lines.
If there is a song or tune that you would like, if you can hum it to me, or tell me where to find it on YOUTUBE, and I have enough lead time…even if i don’t know it…i should have enough time to learn it for your event.
I hope you enjoy these samples and I look forward to playing them for you at your event!