James

Introducing James

Bio

James started playing the bagpipes at George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh nearly 15 years ago where he received high level tuition from some of the best pipers in Scotland. When James went to university he entertained his fellow classmates with his musicianship, then played with Edinburgh’s Stockbridge Pipe Band during the holidays.

After university, he moved to London, where he played as a front rank player with a top pipe band in London and received tuition from a number of top players based in Canada. Now based in Cardiff where he is studying for a PhD, his competitive bagpiping career is on hold for the time being, but he still finds time to play at a wide variety of events and maintains a high standard of playing.

For some professional top level piping, book James for your event or occasion now.

Book James

Career highlights

Piping for the First Minister of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle
Playing the opening sequence at The KKL Concert Hall in Lucerne, Switzerland
Performing at Annabelle’s Club in Mayfair and Hotel Café Royal on New Year’s Eve
Playing inside the Millennium Stadium during Wales vs Scotland rugby
Playing in the House of Commons for MP Jamie Stone’s birthday celebration

Uniform options

No.1 Military Uniform
Standard Day Dress
Tartan includes Meiklejohn

What made you learn?

“James is originally from Edinburgh and played in his school pipe band. There he received top tuition and played to a high standard. James has been studying and working in England for a few years now but is still very much connected to his Scottish roots. James listens to a lot of Scottish, Irish and Canadian folk music. This vibrant tradition is something that James is very proud to be part of”

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for everything you did on Saturday. You were amazing and we’ve had so many people comment on how epic the bagpipes made the whole ceremony, entrance and exit. Thank you again”
Henry & Hannah
The Piping Experience Client (2026)
“Just a quick note to say thank you for today. You absolutely smashed it. Highland Laddie and Highland Cathedral were superb, and it meant a great deal to have a little piece of my own history woven into our wedding day. Thank you so much for taking part”
Jason
The Piping Experience Client (2025)
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for making our special day extra special. You were absolutely brilliant and all of our guest absolutely loved you. We really appreciate you taking your time to come and play. You were absolutely brilliant. Thank you again”
Amber
The Piping Experience Client (2025)
“People were bowled over by the piped welcome, thank you so much, it couldn’t have been better. The party was a huge success, so thanks for your contribution to that, it began celebrations so well. Thank you for the piped ‘Happy Birthday’ too”
Anna
The Piping Experience Client (2024)
“Thank you for your marvellous piping for us last Friday night. It was a joy to hear you and so many people have said how much they enjoyed hearing you play. Thank you very much indeed”
Jill
The Piping Experience Client (2024)
“Thank you so much for making our Burns Supper so special. You can’t beat the thrill folks get from experiencing bagpipes for the first time. Live music is the best”
Steph
The Piping Experience Client (2024)
“I just wanted to let you know that James did a very good job at my mother’s funeral in Somerset, despite the rain. A very pleasant young man. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others”
James
The Piping Experience Client (2024)
“Thank you so much for joining us, we absolutely loved having you as part of the show and will definitely contact you if anything else comes up in the future. Take care and thank you once again”
Miss O’Connor (Silhouette Studios of Performance)
The Piping Experience Client (2023)
“Thanks again for creating such a beautiful occasion. You have been the talk of home”
Sabina
The Piping Experience Client (2023)
“Hi James. Thank you! It was truly an amazing day. Everyone I spoke to loved your bagpiping. It was truly magical”
Eve
The Piping Experience Client (2023)
“Hi James. I just wanted to tell you how much we appreciated and loved having you as part of our wedding day last October. You were wonderful! My friends commented on how friendly and approachable you were. All the Scottish contingent loved your playing as a homage to my heritage. It really added something special to our day and made us both so happy!”
Alys
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Massive thank you for kick starting the Parishes’ Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. It could not have gone any better and the pieces of music you played added to the sense of occasion. We’ve had so many people contacting us to express their appreciation”
Ian
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Let me just repeat what we said last night. The whole company was most impressed with your playing and enjoyed it immensely. I believe it would be churlish to comment on your ability to entertain. Your performance was superlative. I will certainly bear you in mind if I hear of someone looking for a piper in the future”
James
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Just wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful job you did today at my Mum’s funeral. We have had people commenting all day about how amazing you were and what a tribute it was to my mum, so thank you”
Fiona
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Thank you for your unforgettable tribute today. Walking out at the end then facing you playing was a most incredible experience, we can’t thank you enough. You are a fantastic young man. We wish you luck with your future endeavors and hope to have the pleasure of hearing you play again in the future”
Dave
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Thank you so much for coming today. The residents really loved the performance. Thank you again and hope we can book you again in warm weather or when we are fully open”
Michela
The Piping Experience Client (2022)
“Honestly, thank you so much. You were such a fab addition and it felt so special to be piped in for my arrival. I loved it and so many people commented on how great you were. Thank you again”
Laura
The Piping Experience Client (2021)
“Thank you James for your wonderful piping. You made the day so much more memorable and special. Everyone should have a piper. My family loved it and so did we”
Heather
The Piping Experience Client (2021)
“Thank you again for yesterday, you were great, exactly what we had hoped for. It was a very special day for us and we appreciate your input”
Karen
The Piping Experience Client (2021)
“Thank you so much for playing at my son’s wedding. You did a fantastic job and it was so lovely to hear the bagpipes played so well”
Libby
The Piping Experience Client (2021)
“Thank you for your wonderful piping on Friday. It was the perfect send off for Mum”
Iain
The Piping Experience Client (2021)
“I would like to thank James for making our day very special at Llandaff cathedral. Playing Flower of Scotland, albeit, in the pouring rain, mean’t so much”
Richard
The Piping Experience Client (2020)
“James was splendid – he was a skilled player who added real spirit to our Ceilidh. He was very flexible about what he did and how long he played. I would really recommend him”
“There were lots of compliments both on the night and later about the quality of your playing. It was a real bonus to have you there”
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for coming on Saturday – you were brilliant and exactly what we were hoping for”

Locations covered