Reviews of Andrew Brian - Highland Bagpiper

Andy made our wedding anniversary celebration a very special day indeed. We were very moved hearing him play Highland Cathedral so beautifully as we had this at our wedding twenty two years ago. He communicated very well as soon as I made the booking and was very punctual. He looked incredibly smart and dapper and he played the bagpipe absolutely beautifully. It was just perfect. Would highly recommend and can’t wait to find another excuse to book him again.

We can't thank Andy enough for playing at my Grandads funeral last week. When choosing somebody to book for the funeral it was the positive comments of Andy from other people that led us to booking him and we don't have a single regret. He followed up the quote request with a phonecall and explained everything, answering all the questions we had and he was so helpful and positive, his experience honestly shone through and we booked him the very next day. Andy was great with communications up to the day of the funeral and everything went as planned and smoothly too. Those attending the funeral also commented on how great the bagpiper was and what a special touch he had added to my Grandads send off. Andy was flexible in what music he could play as we asked for 2 Irish songs not on his playlist and he played them beautifully on the day. He was very reassuring about everything and we would definitely highly recommend him to any event you may be considering a bagpiper for, the professionalism was on point. Thanks again Andy for everything. Sammy & family x

Hi Andy, Wanted to drop you a line in appreciation of your fantastic performance yesterday. To see you looking so fabulous in Highland dress as we pulled up to the gates at Altrincham Crematorium and begin to play Lest we Forget, it was breathtaking. Followed by the Skye Boat Song, a song my Mum sang to her grandchildren when they were babies, it was delightful. Our driver opened our windows, the six of us (myself, sister and four brothers) listened in wonder as you played perfectly, how I wish my Mum could have been there, she would have just loved it. Thank you so, so much Andy, you made mine and my families memories of the day so much more special. (10 / 10)

From the first communication when booking online after reading his profile , which stood out compared to the others on the site, I was not disappointed , when we first spoke I didn’t have to say anything it’s like he read my mind and the situation to come, the songs I chose were met with professionalism, After Andrew driving 4 hours down south for the funeral, we turned the corner and into the gates of the crematorium, Andrew was there like the lone piper with the sun shining down around him and his outstanding attire , he led the procession to the doors , his years of experience shown through, I wish to say I would love to see him again but of course under better circumstances,

Andrew was absolutely amazing at my wedding from start to finish. He made my wedding day so much more special in memory of my grandad who was from Dundee. As soon as I heard him play me down from my room I was in tears but because it was so beautiful & gave me what I wanted, goosebumps up my arms & a feeling of having my grandad with me. He is the best priced around & he does not rush you. I was blown away by him along with my guests. Highly recommend.

Andy played at our wedding in Cumbria this weekend. He was absoultey superb and gave our day a really special touch. Andy is the utmost professional and a brilliant talent on the pipes. I cannot recommend Andy highly enough. If your looking for a piper in the Northwest, look no further and hire Andy. (10 / 10)
Fingal McKiernan

We just wanted to thank you so much for playing at our wedding recently. As my family are Scottish a piper was always something I wanted and when we came across your site my dad thought you were brilliant. Having then lost my dad only very recently having you there was all the more poignant.
The moment I heard you play when I was in the bridal suite brought me to tears. It was so very special.
You are a complete professional and communication was fabulous from start to finish.
Having you pipe us into the wedding breakfast and presenting you with the traditional quaich made our wedding so much more special.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others.
Thank you so much.

Andrew gave a wonderful performance for us at our wedding. The weather wasn't fantastic during the afternoon, but Andrew kept all of our guests entertained, played us into dinner too. It brought a taste of Scotland to Liverpool.

Words cannot describe how delighted my husband and I were to have Andy play such an important role in our wedding day. I had organized to have Andy play as a surprise for my husband, and not only did Andy execute flawlessly, he actually even worked with me to think of important details in planning the surprise! All of our guests were deeply moved by Andy's piping, and everyone was brought to tears (as someone said - "if we weren't crying before the piper we were all crying after he started playing")! We have received lots of lovely feedback from guests about our wedding day, but Andy and his piping stand out as some of the most memorable parts of the day for all.

We are so grateful Andy played such an important role in our wedding day! We would recommend - without reservation - having Andy play a role in any celebration you are thinking of planning. Thank you so much, Andy!

Andrew played the bagpipes at my dads funeral, playing him out of his street into the the crematorium grounds then as he went inside the crematorium & then at the end when we came out. Songs included Flower of Scotland, Skye boat song, Amazing Grace, Auld Lang Syne. Andrew was amazing from his first contact until leaving us after the service, he was courteous, respectful & very professional. He also looked fabulous. Everyone said that his playing was incredible. We cannot thank him enough & would thoroughly recommend him to everyone looking for a piper.
Rating Field: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Andy played for us at moms funeral. He was amazing and bought a real comforting and special atmosphere to the day. He was able to play what ever we requested and gave some really helpful suggestions. He was totally professional the whole time, and we would strongly recommend him for all occasions
Rating Field: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Can not recommend Andy enough! Right from our inital contact, he was both friendly and professional. He went above and beyond and delivered a first class service leading up to and on the day of our Uncle's funeral. Everyone commented on Andy's outstanding performance and appearance. He certainly made a very sad and emotional day more bearable and left us feeling very proud and satisfied that we gave our Uncle the best possible send off that he deserved. Thank you so so much Andy, I would not look anywhere else if I needed a Bagpiper in the future... absolutely amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating Field: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tell us more: Me and my husband had the absolute honour of having Andrew at our wedding in Northumberland. All the guests were extremely impressed and he played so beautiful. It was magical having him play while me and my bridesmaids walked down the aisle. He then played during cocktail hour entertaining guests. I highly recommend him. Thank you for making our day extra special.
Rating Field: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Mum's funeral service had to be shortened to 20 minutes, the attendees were limited, masked and sat apart - I still wanted to make the occasion a celebration of her life, memorable and significant and I'm so thankful for Andrew's involvement - without his impeccable performance and grand appearance there would have been no ceremony or gravitas to proceedings. Everyone commented on how good he was and I know my Mum would have loved how clearly and soulfully he played- the three pieces were all beautiful. Andrew was friendly, helpful and easy to deal with- going out of his way to accommodate my requests, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him for any occasion. (10 / 10)
Fiona

From first contact Andrew was very professional, he helped in identifying the right tunes for our sad occasion. Communication throughout the booking was second to none. On the day Andrew turned up with plenty of time to discuss the arrangements, he was very smartly dressed in full uniform. Andrew stayed behind to chat with all those that were inquisitive and answered any questions with dignity and great knowledge. I have no hesitation in recommending Andew. (10 / 10)
Paddy Feenan

Andrew was fantastic from our first phone conversation he basically arranged everything,all we had to do is pick the songs and what colour tartan. The day after my dads funeral my mum was receiving lots of phone calls to say how sad and wonderful the day was,and Andrew got a big mention in most of them conversations.

Andy was amazing. He played beautifully for my Dad’s funeral. He helped me through the planning of the event and I felt confident on the day all would go to plan with Andy there representing the family. And it did. Exactly the peace of mind you need at such an important event. Andy is a true professional. Thank you so much. 🙏🏻

When I called Andy to first enquire about playing at my grandfathers funeral he was very professional, kind and helpful. We arranged for him to play and he was quick to book us in. Me and my family also asked if he new of a drummer to also play alongside him which he did and sorted this all out for us, we were so grateful! On the day of the funeral everything went as planned and Andy did everything we wanted perfectly! He played just beautifully, my grandfather would be extremely proud and would of most definitely cried hearing the beautiful music being played, he was a very proud Scotsman! Thanks again Andy you made our day so special for a wonderful send off for our hero John! (10 / 10)
Lauren

From start to finish (booking to playing on the day) the best service once could possibly imagine, great attention to detail, patiently waited for our much delayed friend topped of with several first class renditions, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Andrew if you’re looking for a piper, call him up and you will not be disappointed (10 / 10)
Chris Ross

Complete Professional

Andrew was the perfect accompanient to my nieces wedding. Completely professional in all our dealings, sounds as magnificent as he looks and he was unfaltering on one of the hottest days of the year. I have no hesitation in recommending - Andrew is "The real Mcoy" !

Simply wonderful!

A huge thank you from us both for your fantastic performances at our wedding at Combermere Abbey on 21.08.2023, we absolutely loved your music and our guests have all been complimenting us on how brilliant you were. It made our day extra magical!

An extra big thank you for stepping in at the last minute during the signing of the register when our playlist wasn't working, we both really appreciate it.

Thank you,

The new Mr and Mrs MacRitchie 😊

Great experience with fabulous communication and proffesionalism.

Andrew played the bagpipes at our son’s wedding and he was magnificent.
He was not intrusive but placed himself beautifully both at the church and at the
The music was great and exactly what we wanted.
Andrew was so punctual and completely flexible with his time which we really appreciated.
All the guests commented on how good Andrew was and looked.
We really appreciated Andrews time and help in choosing the music.
Andrew was superb and we would highly recommend him.

Absolutely the best! Professional and courteous, listened to what I wanted and gave more on top as well. Now trying to work out what we can celebrate next to have Andrew back again, he’s that good!

When we enquired if Andrew would be available for my Father's funeral, i was extremly impressed by the personal empathy he has shown in making sure the music was as we would like. I cannot explain the emotions experienced in having Andrew pipe my Father's Hurst arriving to the crematorium , my Father would have loved every second. The sound was pitch perfect, a credit to a true musician, every note resonated true feelings, for which I cannot thank Andrew enough. You only have one chance to say goodbye, and I wouldn't want anyone other than Andrew as my piper to portray those emotions. (10 / 10)
Liz Gordon

When I was booking Andrew for my mother's funeral, he gave me a lot of details about the different points at which he could play the pipes, specfically Highland Cathedral. He was extremely helpful, polite and patient with me. I had to discuss and agree the idea of having a piper, with family, the vicar and also the funeral director - the latter heard that I had found Andrew Brian and he told me to book him immediately. It transpires that they had met each other at a previous funeral. So, for me that was endorsement enough. Andrew was marvellous and turned a sad day into something rather fitting and beautiful. I am so grateful. (10 / 10)
Nick Watkins

Andrew was playing when I arrived with my father in the morning to the wedding ceremony. He looked stunning in his full dress and bear skin. He piped me and my father into the ceremony to my favourite piece of music, Highland Cathedral. He seemed to play non stop and every single guest commented on the atmospheric music throughout the arrival drinks reception. Andrew played outside whilst we had photographs taken and when the time came, played my husband and I into our wedding breakfast.
He was completely amazing and a joy to speak with. He helped make our wedding day so special and we simply can't thank him enough.

Great surprise

Booked Andrew as a surprise for my daughter and her husband, who were thrilled when they left the church to the sound of the pipes. From the booking, choosing the music to the actual day Andrew was helpful, professional and definitely worth the money! Highly recommend.

Absolutely excellent. With minimum instructions did everything we wanted and more. Really lovely at the end how he marched off playing the pipes. Very poignant. Arrived everywhere he needed to be prepared and ready. Really couldn't have been better. The last thing you need is to be stressing at a funeral and to have someone know exactly what they are doing and when to do it was a god send. Was really lovely performance. My mum would have loved it. (10 / 10)
Calvin

Dear Andrew, we just wanted to thank you for your superb contribution and professionalism, throughout the funeral service and burial of Helen's dad yesterday at St John's Church, Hurst Green. Your excellent musicianship on the Pipes helped create a very special atmosphere, which has left a deep impression on everyone attending. We would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone considering a Piper for a special event. Thanks once again. (10 / 10)
Mr and Mrs Chris Mcleod and Family

Thank you Andrew for such an amazing day from start to finish playing no. Stop through the rain and then the sun , you sounded great and looked a million dollars . A lovely man and brought something extra to our big day thanks again 100% recommend you will not be disappointed (10 / 10)
Colin mason

My gift to my Grandma on My Wedding Day ❤️
We found Andrew by a gentleman named Troy who had made a kilt for my grandma. I expressed I wished I knew or could find a piper as it would have been a wonderful thank you to her for all she had done for us. Troy very quickly said I know someone an gave us Andrews details to which we are so greatful for!
Once I email and we had a response to say Andrew was free the excitement I felt was like a child at Christmas! A finishing touch was when Andrew said he had a collection of tartan kilts to which we chose one to which related to my grandmas clan tartan.
Andrew played utterly beautifully before and after the service and my guests where in awe as where we!
Such a gentleman and amazing with what he does and playing we would 1000000% recommend Andrew!
Thank you so much for helping us create a magical moment on our special day!
Chloe and Liam x

Wedding day piping
Andrew was superb. Nothing was too much trouble & suggested extra ways to make the day so very special. Andrews piping was simply awesome & he happily played requested music. I wouldn't hesitate to have Andrew play at another event & would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a piper to make their event special.