Arranging a funeral is one of the most emotionally demanding things a person can do. There are many decisions to make, often under time pressure, and it can feel overwhelming trying to ensure everything comes together in a way that truly honours your loved one.
If you are considering including a piper in the service, you may not be sure where to begin. This guide walks you through exactly what happens when you book with Scottish Funeral Pipers, so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
Step One: Getting in Touch
The first step is simply reaching out. You can contact us by phone, through our online enquiry form, or by messenger — whichever feels most comfortable for you. If we are unable to answer your call immediately, please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
There is no obligation at this stage. Many families simply want to understand their options before making a decision, and we are always happy to have a conversation and provide a no obligation quote without any pressure.
When you get in touch, it helps to have a rough idea of the following, though nothing needs to be finalised at the outset:
- The date and time of the service
- The type of service — cremation, burial, ashes ceremony, family home, or religious service
- The location of the service
- Any musical preferences you have in mind
Step Two: Discussing Your Wishes
Once you get in touch, we take time to talk through your wishes. This conversation is unhurried. We want to understand the person being remembered and the kind of farewell their family has in mind.
At Scottish Funeral Pipers, we offer a range of funeral piping services to suit the specific needs of each family. This includes playing for guests as they arrive at the church or chapel, leading the cortège to the crematorium doors, piping the coffin to the graveside for burials, performing a Slow Air or Lament during the coffin lowering, and playing as guests depart. We can also perform at ashes internments and scatterings, or at a family home prior to the service. Whatever the format of the day, we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.
This is also the point at which we discuss music. If you already have something in mind, that is wonderful. If not, we can guide you through the options. Frequently chosen pieces include “Amazing Grace”, “Going Home”, and other traditional tunes that carry deep significance. We are also happy to tailor the music to reflect the unique life and character of the person being honoured, as much as the pipes will allow.
Step Three: Understanding the Pricing
We believe in being fully transparent about costs. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of our pricing upfront, with no hidden charges, so there are no added financial worries at an already difficult time.
Generally, our services range between £100 and £150, depending on your specific requirements. If significant travel is required, this may affect the final cost, and we will always make that clear when providing your quote. We aim to offer the opportunity for as many families as possible to have a piper as part of a funeral, at as reasonable a price as we can.
Step Four: Confirming the Booking
Once you are happy to proceed, we confirm all the details of your booking. At this stage we agree on the date, time, and location, the tunes to be performed, and the structure of the performance — including where the piper will be positioned and at which points during the service they will play. Any other specific wishes you have for the day will also be noted.
We work directly with families as well as with funeral directors, so if you are making arrangements through a funeral director, we are experienced in coordinating directly with them to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Step Five: On the Day
Our piper will arrive ahead of the service to ensure everything is in place. You will not need to manage or direct us on the day. We work respectfully alongside funeral directors and venue staff to ensure the performance fits seamlessly into the service.
Whether leading the cortège from the entrance, performing a lament at the graveside, playing as mourners arrive, or providing a final farewell as the coffin is lowered, everything will follow the plan agreed in advance. Our role is to support and enhance the service, not to add complexity to it.
A Note on Availability and Location
Scottish Funeral Pipers is primarily based in Central Scotland, with pipers also available in other areas. We are willing to travel as needed, so distance is rarely a barrier. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, simply get in touch and we will do our best to help.
We recommend booking as early as you are able to ensure availability on the date you need. That said, we understand that funeral arrangements are sometimes made at short notice, and we will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests.
About Scottish Funeral Pipers
Scottish Funeral Pipers was founded by Tom MacArthur, a full-time professional piper with many years of experience providing funeral piping services across Scotland. Tom set up this specialist business to make it as easy as possible for families to book a piper at such a difficult time, providing a friendly and personal service tailored to the needs of each individual family.
All of us at Scottish Funeral Pipers have experienced the loss of loved ones ourselves. We believe in providing the level of service that we would want for our own family and friends. You can find out more on our About Us page.
Final Thoughts
Booking a funeral piper does not need to feel complicated. The process is straightforward, the conversation is gentle, and the result can add something truly lasting to your loved one’s farewell.
If you would like to find out more or begin a conversation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always here to help, and it would be our honour to support you.