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When I was just 8 years old, one of my neighbours (a Glasgow born Doctor) introduced me to the bagpipes. It would be cliché to say that I have never looked back since, but the story is true.
The bagpipes have rarely left my side since the early days. I remember fondly my parents putting me to sleep before going out to the New Years’ Eve Street party. Once they had left, I would peer through the curtains to see the action of the pipers and be spellbound by the melodies . Listening to them perform made me realise I wanted to be just like them.
In January 1992, I started to take private tuition. Surely enough, I became more advanced and fell completely in love with the instrument. Within a matter of months, the rapid development of my ability enabled me to join my first pipe band and begin performing at public occasions.
I started entering competitions as a solo piper in 1994 and continued to progress with some local band competitions and ultimately as my piping career progressed at the UK, European and World levels.
I have continued to perform alongside many bands across the world. In 2015, I was invited as a guest performer in the Czech Republic for the Reading Scottish Pipe Band. Together we took part in a week of celebrations at The International Bagpipe Festival.
Over the next few years, I continued to perform internationally both as a solo performer and as a guest with pipe bands. It was a hard work, but I knew that dedication to the cause would only help me to achieve my dreams. I spent 23 years honing my craft to be the best I could be, rising through the ranks, competing regionally and internationally until 2015. It was that year – the peak of my piping career – when I competed with the Scottish Power Pipe Band in Grade 1. I was travelling thousands of miles for rehearsals to perform and continued to develop my skillset.
I am so fortunate to have had piping take me all around the world to perform to a wide variety of cultures and people. Whether it be performing solo for St Patricks Day in Florida, or celebrating Chinese New Year in Chengdu, China.
Rich North
It was truly an honour to be called up to tour with many great individuals and bands, especially to perform at distinguished and honourable events. It was with this honour, and the years of experience under my belt performing at recognised events that I was able to perform as part of a group headlining at the Porthcawl Folk Festival, Wales, in 2016.
Throughout the years, I have managed to visit some incredible places. Whether it be Scotland, Northern Ireland, Amsterdam, Germany, or any of the incredible events I’ve had the pleasure to perform at throughout my lifetime, every single chance I get to play my pipes is a euphoric experience.
Even whilst all of this was going on, travelling internationally, and competing against the most distinguished pipers, my main passion was performing at events – especially Weddings. Seeing everyone dressed up and celebrating a beautiful day touched my heart in ways I could never imagine. The slight thought that my piping could add just a flicker of enjoyment to the day was enough to get me hooked.
Regardless of what event, I give 100% effort in all of my performances. I can’t wait for you to get in touch so that we can begin the first step toward making your momentous occasion, even better.
Leave your details and Martin will be in touch to discuss bringing the sound of the Scottish Highlands to your event.