Funeral Piping Services — What The Funeral Piper can offer
piping services- at a glance
Every funeral is different. Every family has different wishes, different traditions, and different ideas about how their loved one should be honoured. Performing to a high standard, Simon works closely with families and funeral directors to ensure the piping serves the occasion exactly as it should — whether that means a single piece at the graveside, a crematorium service, an ashes interment ceremony or even a memorial service for a special anniversary.
Graveside and Committal Piping
Playing at the graveside — as the coffin is carried in, during the committal, or as mourners depart — is one of the most powerful uses of the Highland Bagpipe. The sound carries across open ground in a way that fills the moment completely and creates something that everyone present remembers.
Church and Chapel Services
Piping the coffin into the church, playing during the service, leading out at the close of the service — each of these moments has its own particular quality. Simon is experienced in all denominations and all kinds of church and chapel setting. Simon works within the order of service and with the wishes of the officiating minister or celebrant.
Crematorium Services
Simon has extensive experience at crematoriums throughout South Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands, and works closely funeral directors and with crematorium staff to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. For a full list of crematoriums covered, please see the relevant county page or get in touch directly.
Memorial services
Memorial services held after the funeral, anniversary commemorations, Remembrance Sunday events, private family tributes — all are occasions Simon is proud to serve. The same preparation and the same high standard of piping apply to every engagement, whatever its scale or setting.
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for piping for Mum’s funeral. It was very good to meet you, despite the sad occasion. Thank you for making the engagement and procurement process easy for my brother and me with suggestions for music and how we could work with you on the day. You brought the recognition of Mum’s Scottish heritage, which is so important to our family, and exactly the mood, tone and atmosphere we hoped for, I will never forget it. Mum would have been blown away with the honour and the respect and dignity of it all. Thank you Simon."
Jan
""Hi Simon. I just wanted to say thank you for playing at my mum's funeral yesterday. It was beautiful to listen to - she was definitely looking down on us and bought the sunshine! Many thanks"
Charlotte
Simon, I just wanted to say thank you so much for Tuesday and what excellent playing. The pipes were perfect, you were perfect. It was the send-off she deserved. Thank you.""
Terry
Choosing the right Music
Commonly requested pieces include Amazing Grace, Flowers of the Forest, Going Home, Abide With Me, Highland Cathedral, The Green Hills of Tyrol, Dark Island, The Flowers of the Forest and many more. Any piece of personal significance to the family can be prepared on request. I play a wide selection of Scottish, Welsh, Irish and Celtic tunes as well as self-written music. Please ask at the time of enquiry — no request is too much trouble.
Tartan choices
A selection of kilt tartans are available to request.
Gordon
Ramsey Blue
Flower of Scotland
