Piper Alistair McCallum Alistair McCallum - Piper for all occasions

No particular requirements. Just a place to park and if piping guests into a venue, having an appropriate place to play. However, this is generally pre-discussed with the venue and/or organisers.

I don't provide specialist lighting or technical equipment.

All I need to know is the event location & timings. The rest is managed on the day.

I don't provide this service.

Tough one as I’m very fortunate to have played at many amazing events and venues. That said, the one the stands out for me is when I piped at the ‘Worlds coldest’ Burns Supper on the shores of Lake Khövsgöl, Northern Mongolia. It was so different from any setting I’ve ever played, with the stunning surrounding nature and -35°C.. Very testing for my fingers and my pipes! I’ll never forget it.

I’ll keep this piping related, otherwise it would be a very long answer! There’s a handful of pipers and trad musicians that have inspired me over the years, however none more so than Stuart Liddell. In my opinion he’s one of, if not the best pipers in history in terms of technical ability, achievement and ability to capture the attention of a crowd, whether it be a solo performance or leading Inveraray Pipe Band.

I’ve played the pipes since I was 12 years old, and ‘gigging’ started off as playing at local events. I remember my first formal gig was playing at a Burns Supper that my athletics club (Giffnock North) was hosting. I was 14 years old and remember being incredibly nervous before it, but felt great (mainly relieved) afterwards. I played my first wedding at 16 years old, and from there I began playing at more wedding, funerals and Burns suppers. At 19 years old I worked in Indiana, USA for a few months and had the opportunity to perform whilst out there. Thereafter gigs not only became more regular, but more out of the norm too, from Burns Suppers in Mongolia and whisky festival in Barcelona, to concerts in Germany and cultural events in Albania.

Another tough one. I love the opportunity to play at all types of events for their own unique reasons. That said, there’s just something about piping at weddings. I enjoy piping in guests as they arrive and there’s a feel of anticipation in the air, then the more upbeat feel of piping in the B&G and top table guests into the wedding breakfast is always great fun. Aside from ‘types’ of gigs, the thing I love most about playing is getting to see many different venues, areas in Scotland and across the world.

I aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before playing. This allows me to assess the venue, liaise with event guests & organisers, and to get the pipes warmed up. I offer various packages which are pre-arranged prior to the event.

Yes. Rain, wind or shine, the pipes will be singing!

Yes. Any tune requests are welcomed. If there are no particular requests, I have a broad repertoire that I can play depending on the occasion.

Friendly, reliable and (thankfully) a good piper!