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The Magic of a Royal Mile Procession

A wedding procession down Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile with a professional bagpiper is a breathtaking sight. As the music fills the air, onlookers cheer, guests feel the emotion, and every step is transformed into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether walking to the City Chambers for your ceremony or capturing stunning city centre wedding pictures, a bagpiper ensures an atmosphere of Scottish tradition and grandeur.

We had the honor of providing a stunning wedding experience for Katie and Leo, where the enchanting sounds of Roddy the Bagpiper set the perfect tone for their celebration. With Tony Marsh Photography capturing every heartfelt moment, their wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, music, and unforgettable memories in the heart of Edinburgh.

Let’s create your Royal Mile procession with Pipe Major Roderick Deans and create a wedding experience like no other.

Edinburgh City Chambers – A Grand Setting for Your Ceremony

The Edinburgh City Chambers (https://www.edinburghcitychambers.co.uk/) is one of the most sought-after wedding venues, and the sound of bagpipes makes it even more spectacular. Whether welcoming your guests outside, leading the bride down the aisle, or playing as you exit as newlyweds, the bagpipes add a timeless touch of Scottish tradition.

Why Hire Roddy the Bagpiper for Your Edinburgh Wedding?

A professional bagpiper brings more than just music—it’s about creating an immersive experience that transports your guests into the heart of Scottish culture. Whether you’re hosting your reception at the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, saying “I do” at the City Chambers, or celebrating in the city centre, Roddy ensures an unforgettable performance.

Your wedding day deserves a touch of magic. Let’s make it happen!

Tony Marsh Photography – Capturing the Soul of Your Scottish Wedding

Music sets the mood, but photography captures the memories. The combination of a skilled bagpiper Roddy Deans and a professional photographer Tony Marsh ensures that your wedding story is preserved beautifully. 

Tony’s approach to photography is both original and creative, aiming to capture vibrant and unforgettable images. His enthusiasm and unobtrusive style enable him to capture your day perfectly, often encouraging clients to step out of their comfort zones to achieve truly unique photographs.

A wedding in Edinburgh is a story waiting to be told, Tony Marsh is the perfect storyteller. With years of experience capturing the beauty, romance, and rich traditions of Scottish weddings, his ability to blend dramatic cityscapes with intimate moments makes him the ideal photographer for weddings at the Edinburgh City Chambers, the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, and iconic locations like the Royal Mile.

Pairing Tony Marsh Photography with Roddy the Bagpiper creates an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a grand procession or a quiet moment between newlyweds, Tony’s keen eye ensures your love story is preserved in stunning, timeless images. 

Capture these iconic shots with the photographer Tony Marsh: https://tonymarshphotography.com/ 

Recommended Bagpipe Music for Weddings

Looking for the perfect wedding bagpipe playlist? Here are some top recommendations you can listen on our YouTube channel Popular Wedding Bagpipe Music:

• Highland Cathedral – A powerful and emotional tune for your ceremony.
• Mairi’s Wedding – A lively, celebratory tune perfect for recessional music.
• Mist Covered Mountains – A romantic melody for a serene and elegant moment.

With Roddy’s expertise, your wedding will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Scottish Wedding Entertainment by Reel Time Events

Looking to elevate your wedding celebration? Reel Time Events offers an array of Scottish music and entertainment options, including:

• Bagpipers, harpists, clarsach players, pianists, and string quartets for your ceremony.
• Disco cover bands, ceilidh bands, and DJs for an unforgettable reception.
• Unique Scottish experiences like Highland Games, whisky tastings, and Scottish gin tastings to entertain your guests.

Visit Reel Time Events to discover how we can enhance your big day! You also can see the Wedding run by us on Youtube channel: Scottish Wedding Entertainment by Reel Time Events

FAQ: Hiring a Bagpiper for Your Wedding

• How long will the bagpiper perform? As long as you need, from a short procession to a full day of performances.
• Can you play outside the Edinburgh City Chambers? Yes! The City Chambers is a prime location for bagpiping, creating an unforgettable entrance.
• Do you provide services outside of Edinburgh? Absolutely! We bring the sound of Scotland to any location around the world.
• Can I hear samples of your performances? Yes! Check out our performances here: 
  • Roddy the Piper at Dundas Castle Wedding

Book Your Edinburgh Wedding Bagpiper Today

Let’s create an unforgettable experience filled with music, tradition, and Scottish charm. Contact us today to book your Edinburgh wedding bagpiper and explore our full range of entertainment options!

Follow Reel Time Events

• Website: Reel Time Events
• Facebook: Reel Time Events
• Instagram: @reel_time_events
• LinkedIn: Reel Time Events

Let’s make your wedding truly magical with the timeless sound of the bagpipes!

The post Make Your Wedding Unforgettable with a Professional Wedding Bagpiper in Edinburgh appeared first on Roddy the Piper.

The journey to this remarkable performance wasn’t short of dedication. It took the band a total of 32 hours to prepare for this special Scottish version of Taylor’s 2008 hit single. The meticulous preparation involved mastering the musical intricacies and ensuring that the arrangement did justice to the original while showcasing the unique charm of Scottish bagpipes.

Roddy Deans, the Pipe Major of The Reel Time Pipe Band, expressed his excitement and pride in the project. “Taylor’s tunes translate surprisingly well to traditional Scottish instruments,” he remarked. “We’re all huge music fans, so we’re delighted to help welcome Taylor   to Scotland in the best way we know how.”

The performance was not just about music; it was a heartfelt gesture of welcome and celebration. The band’s rendition of “Love Story” on the bagpipes added a distinctly Scottish flavour to the beloved song, creating a beautiful blend of cultures and musical traditions. The event highlighted the band’s versatility and their ability to bring something new and exciting to well-known hits.

Recreating “Love Story” on the bagpipes and putting together this ensemble was a labour of love for the band. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Deans added. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Reel Time Pipe Band were evident in every note they played, making this performance a memorable part of Taylor Swift’s visit to Scotland.

As Taylor Swift continues to enchant fans around the world, the Reel Time Pipe Band’s unique tribute stands out as a testament to the universal language of music and the joy it brings, transcending boundaries and creating unforgettable moments.

Our special welcome to Taylor Swift in Edinburgh was discussed on many media outlets all over the world, including these ones. With so many sites out there promoting our unique welcome, we are confident that our rendition of ‘Love Story’ may have been viewed well over a million times. 

• https://youtu.be/M800av_jYKA?si=y4Hr3bKd8EpQAtEI
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_iAPs2DooU
• https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=808854411348564
• https://www.tiktok.com/@forth1news/video/7377305890719927584
• https://nen.press/2024/06/06/taylor-swift-inspired-pipe-band-performance-welcomes-star-to-scotland/
• https://www.instagram.com/p/C76a6GIIUL4/
• https://www.instagram.com/scottishbanter1/reel/C74LKuEIM21/?hl=hi
• https://news.stv.tv/east-central/scottish-lass-murrayfield-renamed-in-taylor-swifts-honour-over-scots-roots-ahead-of-eras-tour-shows
• https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/taylor-swift-concert-tonight-scotland-b2559070.html
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/scotland-taylor-swift-edinburgh-b2558014.html
• https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/28335534/taylor-swift-scotland-bagpipes-eras-tour/
• https://au.news.yahoo.com/taylor-swift-welcomed-scotland-bagpipe-125252148.html
• https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-uk-edinburgh-liverpool-cardiff-london-wembley/

The post Celebrating Taylor Swift’s Arrival in Scotland: Bagpipe Rendition by Roddy the Piper & Reel Time Pipe Band appeared first on Roddy the Piper.

To bring together quite a lot of new videos that I have made over the last few weeks, we decided to make a blog post!!  It’s amazing how much traction and views these have been getting on Facebook, so thought you might like to have a watch of them here.

Thanks very much to https://www.facebook.com/MusicfromScotland for all the shares.  They have a huge following, which helps gets the music out to people all over the world.

Usually, I don’t have to get my calculator out to work out viewing figures, but this time I did!! Between the videos, in the last 2 weeks, we have had 460,000 views.  Which is unbelievable for me, playing a few wee bagpipe tunes.

Do have a watch, like them, enjoy them, share them and comment,

If you want to have some live Bagpipe music at your event, conference, incentive or wedding, then do get in touch through the website www.roddythepiper.com

Do sign up to keep posted on my bagpipe adventures on my Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/roddybagpipes/

Skye Boat Song;

Scotland the Brave;

Reel Time Ceilidh Band

Internationalbagpipe day Reels

Dundas Castle; Instagram post

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Reel Time Events (@reel_time_events)

Dundas Castle;  St Patrick’s tune;

Talented colleagues of mine Rachel and Ron;  Clarsach and fiddle duo at Dundas Castle

To book some background entertainment for your Scottish conference, event or wedding, then have a look at www.reel-time.co.uk

Also, we will be sharing some new videos on our YouTube page; https://www.youtube.com/@ReelTimeEvents/videos

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International Bagpiper heads to the Philippines for a Wedding

Only a couple of weeks ago, I was performing International Bagpiping duties in Las Vegas, working with Visit Scotland for one of the worlds largest events shows, IMEX. This time, I am flying East, back to the Philippines for the third event in eighteen months. I was lucky to perform at the 2018 Burns supper and St. Andrews night celebrations for the Manila St. Andrews Society (founded in 1879). The Scottish celebrations this time are out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Manila. After 20 hours on a plane and 5 hours in a coach we arrived, appropriately enough, in the Highlands of the Philippines. Spectacularly different in their pace of life – free from traffic jams and air pollution!

The event is a Scottish/Filipino wedding, with all the trappings of a multicultural party. I first met the parents of the Groom several years ago at Dundas Castle, and they’ve kindly invited me to the other side of the world a few times since.

I have travelled out with Aberdeenshire based Accordion player Graham Geddes who will be leading the ceilidh dancing.

In the performance of my duties as International Wedding Bagpiper, I set the scene by piping in the guests to a beautiful indoor/outdoor covered space on a hilltop. Then I piped in the wedding party, the groom, and the bride. When it came to the reception after dinner and speeches, myself and Graham began the Ceilidh music. Often I play the role of Ceilidh caller at events, however I was relieved of these duties by the mother of the Bride. She is an avid Ceilidh dancer and even runs her own Ceilidh group in the Philippines!

The wedding was great fun and I’m glad I was able to help provide a bit of Scottish tradition on the other side of the planet.

After a successful wedding, the International Bagpiping came to an end. The next day was the long journey to Manila. A brief stop before the flight leads us to a fascinating Jellyfish-themed bar.

And then back home to Bonnie, Bonnie Scotland.

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The Travels of International Bagpiper Roddy the Piper continue, this time to Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The first thing you notice stepping off the plane is how hot and heavy the air is. Then you realise how crisp the air in Scotland is. That’s always nice to come back to.

I’ve landed in Las Vegas at night and it’s 31 degrees. Airport air-con makes me forget that for a while as I collect my luggage. But as I exit and flag a taxi, I’m reminded of the heat pretty quickly.

This is the 8^th time I’ve been to Vegas, but I don’t think I’ll ever get over the feeling that it’s like some strange other world. From the taxi ride to the hotel on the strip, we pass one-hundred foot tall LED screens, giant neon signs, fountains blasting water so high it hurts your neck to see the top. And, of course, the monuments to famous monuments: the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Venice Canals.

It’s madness. A metropolis in the middle of the desert. An oasis, perhaps. It’s overwhelming, sure – but exciting as hell.

I’m back in Vegas with Visit Scotland for IMEX America, the world’s biggest meetings expo. There are people from all over the world here for the next few days looking to arrange destinations for conferences and events. Basically, it’s a giant trade show. All of the major players in Scottish hospitality are there.

I’m there to entertain! To provide a little taste of the many things Scotland has to offer. Dressed the part of international bagpiper, I perform a haggis address to a wild and furry little haggis. I host a whisky tasting. I played small pipes, and blasted out some ceilidh tunes on the big pipes.

I even treated the guests of the Cosmopolitan Hotel to a tune from the balcony of my room (see below).

And once all of the work was out of the way for the day, we were treated to Las Vegas’ famous (infamous?) evening enertainment. A true sensory overload. Bizarrely, it’s never gets dark unless they want it to. Every situation is closely managed. Your attention is directed, controlled, pointed towards the fun. Light shows, thumping music, dancers, acrobats and circus performers – and much, much more. But here I choose to invoke the old saying which I believe (hope) is also legally binding: what happens in Vegas…

Until next year.

Thanks to Visit Scotland, SITE Scotland, IMEX

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Robert Burns celebrations

The Burns Bagpiper. To celebrate our Nations Bard, Rabbie Burns, Roddy was asked to do a number of Burns Nights.

The start of the 12 day tour started with an Oil and gas giant who put on a fantastic traditional burns supper at the AECC in Aberdeen. With immortal memory, addres to the haggis, and music from Gill Bowman, along with a spirited performance from the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.

The Reel Time Ceilidh Band were the Burns Night band for the ceilidh dancing. As soon as the master of ceremonies opened the floor for the ceilidh dancing, the guests (from Aberdeen to Argentina , Cardenden to Colombia,) were straight up for the party. With a packed dance floor for three hours, it was a great ceilidh night in Aberdeen.

Burns event at Dynamic Earth

Roddy was asked to address the haggis at the Lloyds Banking conference Burns Supper on Wednesday. 100 guests enjoyed an informal Burns evening at the Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. Roddy was accompanied by a couple of pipers from a local pipe band. Who piped in the haggis before he addressed it.

After the conference Scottish dinner, the Scraggly Cats  came on to take the guests though their ceilidh dancing paces. This was well received and guests were enthusiastic for ceilidh dancing fun. Later in the evening the band played some pop and rock classics to finish the night. A great night by all!!

From Madrid to Manila; international Burns turns

The next morning Roddy was on the long haul. All the way to Manila, in the Philippines. To perform for a St. Andrews Society that has been in place since the 1800s. The event, hosted in one of the cities wonderful hotels, was a bit different from the rest. Roddy and another experienced Burns bagpiper from Canada, Sam Arnold, piped guests in for dinner. Roddy opened the evening with the Selkirk grace. A couple of Filipino singers regaled the audience with Scottish traditional songs, Red Red Rose, Caledonia, etc. They were well rehearsed musicians, proving how well Robert Burns work travels around the world. Roddy then performed the mighty Haggis Address in front of the British ambassador to the Philippines and other esteemed guests.

For the first time, Roddy joined up with the Hong Kong ceilidh band, a group of expats now living in Hong Kong. They were flown in specially for the event (after a hard night in Hong Kong the previous evening where they performed at another Burns Night) to give a slightly different twist with their fantastic ceilidh sound.

Rather than flying straight home from the Philippines, Roddy went on to visit a little more of the islands. Playing on Ilao Ilao, then a wonderful few tunes on a mango farm before home.

This burns night was an excellent homage to the Bard.

Burns bagpiper

To book a bagpiper for your Burns night, Scottish show or to address the haggis, please see our contact page.

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Roddy was assigned to it.

The idea was to have Roddy teaching Dermot ………….. to play the bagpipes.  

This is maybe not quite as easy as the production assistants believed, so it was decided a duet with Roddy and Dermot welcoming the judges to their Edinburgh audition would work best!  

You can see more from XFACTOR in the autumn.

You can see more of roddythepiper any time you like.

If you are looking for a fun bagpipe class for a group, then check out our video.

If you want to try some of the other classic Scottish activities, then check out our Highland games video.

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The island is run by Historic Scotland;  there is great cultural heritage on the island, along with fantastic colonies of seals and seabirds, including puffins if the time of year is right.

If you are looking for something quite rustic on a deserted island, and not more than an hour from Edinburgh by boat, then this is worth a peek.  See the website for more details.

To get there, the best idea is to speak to the wonderful crew of the Maid of the Forth.  They have a boat well equipped to carry wedding guests – it even has a bar.  There are possibilities to hire the boat exclusively and take food and drink over to the island for a reception after the ceremony.  Oh, did I mention there is a historic abbey for all of your proceedings to take place in, (also to hide from the elements if it does happen to rain!)

It was a great wedding and wonderful to be part of another happy couple’s big day.

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