Matthew McRae - Traditional Highland Bagpiper for Hire

Introducing Matthew

Bio

Matthew McRae has been playing The Great Highland Bagpipe for over 27 Years. Taught by his Father George at an early age, Matthew soon became a highly regarded and established Highland Piper within the piping community.

Crowds of all sizes have been mesmerised by the majestic moments that Matthew has created for their special occasions. His delightful sound has been heard in some of the most prestigious and well known venues across the UK. Audiences in the Royal Albert Hall, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, Soho House, Mosimann’s and even the Great British Pullman steam train have been enchanted by his historic Scotia sounds.

Testament to his professionalism and quality that each performance exudes, Matthew has been in demand by famous brands such as Walkers Crisps, Sony, STARZPLAY (Outlander), Panasonic, Burberry, Barrie (Chanel) and William Grant & Sons whisky distillery. Matthew has also appeared on a range of well-known TV, Film and Radio programmes: Chris Evan’s Breakfast Show (BBC Radio 2); Absolute Radio; Made in Chelsea, The Last Leg and most recently, The King’s Man, directed by Matthew Vaughn. He has also been commissioned as a session musician with the pop band Right Said Fred. Most notably Matthew has performed live with the world renown Irish folk band The Chieftains and along side the international multi-platinum selling classical crossover group Il Divo.

Add a touch of Scottish elegance to your event or occasion.

Book Matthew

Career highlights

Appeared as a Black Watch Piper in ‘The King’s Man’, directed by Matthew Vaughn
Featured on the Channel 4 hit, ‘Made in Chelsea’
Played on the ‘Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2
Performed with the international bestselling classical group, ‘Il Divo’ on BBC Songs of Praise
Featured piper at the ‘Outlander’ season 3 and 6 UK premieres
Performed on the set of ‘Aquaman 2’ at Warner Brothers Studios for Jason Momoa’s 42nd birthday
Featured as a session musician with ‘Right Said Fred’
Piper for the ‘Walkers Crisp’ Regional Favourites Advert
Performed with the ‘Chieftains’ at the Royal Albert Hall
Played for Ella Henderson at her family Christmas Party 2022
Performed at the Barrie Cashmere Burns Supper with VIP guests Ellie Bamber & Aiysha Hart

Uniform options

No.1 Military Uniform
Standard Day Dress
Tartans include MacRae Ancient Hunting, MacRae Weathered & Black Watch

What made you learn?

“Inspired by his father, Matthew took up the pipes when he was 10 years’ old after hearing him play. Six months later Matthew accompanied his father in playing at his first event attended by approx. 1,000 people at the Mecca Bingo hall in Essex. Talk about being thrown in the deep end :-). Since then he has enjoyed every minute”

Featured videos & audio

Chris Evans Breakfast Show – Best Bits

Amazing Grace

Mr and Mrs J Duncan’s Golden Wedding 2000

Testimonials

“Brilliant! The performance was wonderful and Matthew was incredibly efficient and friendly in the run up and on the night. Perfect!”

Andy

Jubba Productions (Outlander Season 6 Premiere)

“Enormous thanks to you Matthew, for an absolutely brilliant evening’s entertainment. Everyone really enjoyed your performance, including the guests of honour; the San Marino Head of State and delegation. Thank you also for all your support and immaculate booking in the run up to the event. We found you very responsive throughout and accommodating, especially with our last minute time changes! It makes my job as an event manager so much easier. I’m really thrilled to have come across the piping experience and should we require it, hope to book you again in the future”

Zilah

San Marino Head of State Welcome Reception

“Matthew McRae was kind enough to do a studio session for us. He was very well prepared and a pleasure to work with. Most importantly the bagpipes sounded great! We would definitely use Matthew again”

Fred & Richard Fairbrass

Right Said Fred

“Matthew was fantastic! The communication prior to the day was great and the booking process was very smooth and easy. On the day, Matthew arrived early and was very friendly and approachable. He performed for approximately 1 hour as guests were leaving the church ceremony, and he was amazing. I would highly recommend Matthew to anyone looking for a bagpipe player”

Lydia

The Piping Experience Client (2023)

“Thank you so much for Piping us in and out of the service for Graeme last Thursday. It was just perfect in every way! I didn’t manage to thank you at the time, but I can’t thank you enough. It framed the whole service, and created the atmosphere I had envisaged. With so much gratitude. Very best wishes, Sandra”

Sandra

The Piping Experience Client (2023)

“Matthew was superb. Great communication before the event to ensure we were on track for his booking and arrived promptly for the event. His presentation was smart, professional and personable. Matthew liaised with the official Standard Bearer’s to ensure the performance was on point… and it’s safe to say the piping really made the experience all the more special. Would highly recommend”

Jacqui

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service Pass Out Parade (2022)

“Matthew played at our wedding and was absolutely brilliant. It was a special moment to have the bagpipes played and a nod to my Scottish heritage. Matthew was very flexible as we had to suddenly change venue with about a month to go. Matthew was more than happy to adapt to this. All our friends and family commented on how lovely it was to hear such beautifully played bagpipes at our wedding. Thank you Matthew!”

Ellen

The Piping Experience Client (2022)

“What a wonderful gift of music you gave to our lovely Ros in her 100th year and to all the residents and guests at our Jubilee party. Your playing was magnificent and was thoroughly enjoyed by absolutely everyone. Thank you – you made the day so very special”

Mary

The Piping Experience Client (2022)

“Thank you so much for making it to our Nan’s funeral yesterday, we really appreciate you driving all the way over in that weather. You played so wonderfully and fulfilled one of her wishes for us. If anyone asks me about a bagpipe player I will be sure to recommend”

Lauren

The Piping Experience Client (2022)

“This is now the second time I have used Matthew. He is without doubt the best piper I have used for an event. Matthew is punctual, respectful and just knows what to do and play. I will definitely be booking him again in the future. Thank you for your help and your brilliant piping”

Robert

The Piping Experience Client (2022)

“It was fabulous to have a little bit of Scotland welcome and play for guests arriving at our daughters wedding. Matthew kept us all entertained on a glorious day. He acknowledged all enquiries and questions promptly, was punctual and very reliable. You will not be disappointed if you ask Matthew to perform at your event”

Dianne

The Piping Experience Client (2021)

“Matthew was so professional and understanding to my bridal demands. He played beautifully and made all the guests fall in love with the bagpipes”

Victoria

The Piping Experience Client (2021)

“Matthew played for my Mum’s birthday surprise and truly made the event so special, very professional and would definitely recommend his services”

Kimberley

The Piping Experience Client (2021)

“Fantastic playing, great communication, cost effective and extremely flexible. Incredibly lucky to have had Matthew be part of making our wedding day so special”

Kevin

The Piping Experience Client (2021)

“Matthew was very professional. My Scottish relatives from the Highlands were very impressed with his playing, and his repertoire was a lovely mix of modern and traditional as asked. It just made our day that bit more special and I would not hesitate to recommend him for any big occasion”

Gina

The Piping Experience Client (2019)

“Matthew was the ultimate professional, he entertained the crowd and provided a real touch of class to our even”

Amy

T2RL Conference (2018)