Give your loved one

a truly meaningful

and heartfelt farewell

Finlay MacGhee – professional Scottish funeral piper based in Lincolnshire, UK

Finlay MacGhee - professional Scottish funeral bagpiper based in Lincolnshire, UK

Give your loved one
a truly meaningful and heartfelt farewell

Finlay MacGhee - professional Scottish funeral piper based in Lincolnshire, UK

Finlay playing at a military service funeral.

Condolences from The Funeral Piper

You may be reading this because you’ve just lost a loved one and are naturally wondering where to source a Highland Piper to give your loved one that special send off.

Finlay MacGhee is here to help and works with the funeral director and the family to provide a service that is tailored to your needs.

Finlay is currently a full-time Pipe Major of Royal Air Force Waddington Pipes & Drums based in Lincoln, UK, and is available for Funerals in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and further afield. 

Finlay's Experience

  • Played at the Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 19 September 2022.
 
  • Holds the British Army Pipe Majors Certificate from Edinburgh Castle (Distinguished Pass).
  
  • Was Senior Instructor to the Bands of the Royal Air Force of Oman.
 
  • Bagpipe Choreographer for the hit BBC series Monarch of the Glen.
 
  • Invited to play for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle.
 
  • Performed to a TV audience of 100 Million as The Lone Piper on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (see link below).
 
  • Played Solo to a live audience of 50,000 at Ibrox stadium for the Commonwealth Games Medal Ceremony.

Finlay performs as 'The Lone Piper' at

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 2009

Play Video
Finlay leading the hearse and family to the crematorium at a military funeral.

All-in-one, personalised funeral bagpiping service - get in touch for a free quote

What Finlay can offer

Consultation and Planning

Before the funeral, Finlay will provide a detailed consultation to discuss your specific needs and preferences. This helps ensure that every aspect of the musical tribute is aligned with your expectations and the funeral's overall tone.

Bagpiping at Key Moments

From the arrival of guests to the final farewell, Finlay will ensure that each significant part of the service is accompanied by the appropriate, solemn melodies that enhance the atmosphere in solitude and remembrance of your loved one.

Personalised Music Choices

Finlay offers a tailored, personalised music selection process. Together, you can choose pieces that resonate with the life and memories of your loved one, ensuring that the music played is as unique and special as they were.

Why choose Finlay?

Extensive Experience

With over 30 years of dedicated practice and performances at numerous solemn occasions, including high-profile funerals, such as the Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - 19 September 2022, Finlay brings a wealth of experience to each service.

Ability to Play by Ear

This skill allows Finlay to be highly flexible and responsive during the service. If there's a particular song or melody that you desire but isn't in Finlay's usual repertoire, he can accommodate special requests, ensuring the music is uniquely tailored to your needs.

Exceptional Skill and Versatility

Finlay's skills as a bagpiper are rooted in a deep understanding of the instrument and its historical significance. Whether it's a traditional tune or a more contemporary piece, Finlay can adapt to the specific tone and atmosphere of the funeral.

Affordable and Great Value

Everyone deserves to have beautiful music at their loved one's funeral, without financial strain. Finlay's services are priced to offer great value, ensuring that you receive a professional and heartfelt performance that enhances the ceremony without an exorbitant cost.

Broad Repertoire

Finlay offers a wide selection of songs, from classic Scottish laments to more modern compositions. This variety allows families to choose music that truly reflects the personality and preferences of their loved one, making the service deeply personal and memorable.

Hassle-Free Booking Process

Organizing a funeral can be stressful, and Finlay aims to make at least one aspect straightforward and hassle-free. Finlay's booking process is simple and clear, with no hidden fees or complications, allowing you to focus on other aspects of planning the service.

Add these additional services at no extra cost

Playing for Guests Arriving at the Church/Chapel

Finlay can provide a welcoming atmosphere by playing traditional or chosen bagpipe tunes as guests arrive at the church or chapel, setting a respectful and solemn tone for the service.

Piping as the coffin is lowered (burial)

For burial services, Finlay leads the procession, piping the coffin to the graveside. This traditional role adds a profound sense of dignity and ceremony to the occasion.

Background Music During the Wake

At the wake, Finlay can provide background bagpipe music, which adds a layer of personal touch and can be tailored to the family’s preferences, creating a comforting ambience.

Further information

Looking for more information?

Please see below. 

What tunes could Finlay play for your loved one?

Finlay is open to learn a new piece specifically for your occasion, at no additional cost. If there’s a particular song that holds significance for you, please share it, and Finlay will dedicate himself to learning and performing it in memory of your loved one.

When would Finlay play the tunes at the funeral?

Whether it’s greeting guests as they arrive, enhancing the main service, or accompanying graveside proceedings, Finlay only performs when requested. Finlay can also provide suggestions for when the melodic tones of the bagpipes can offer comfort and reflection during the funeral.

What will Finlay wear at the funeral?

Finlay will be attired in his full military-style Highland uniform, the regal Royal Black Stewart in striking red, or the Modern Black Douglas in serene blue. This ensemble is commonly recognized as the ‘number one dress,’ solidifying Scottish Highland tradition. 

What Finlay's Clients Say

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Finlay guarantees a professional and sympathetic consultation process to ensure your loved one’s wishes are understood and respected

Serving
Lincolnshire/ surrounding areas

Finlay is willing to travel to various counties such as Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire – (subject to availability)*

Finlay is willing to travel to various counties such as Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire – (subject to availability)*

Call Finlay to get a free quote today

Finlay will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have any questions?

Since Finlay’s funeral bagpiping services are suited to the families and the departed needs, Finlay will quickly formulate a tailored quote following the consultation process. From there, you can decide whether you are happy to proceed. Rest assured; Finlay ensures that he offers a competitive rate.

Finlay provides a range of bagpiping services tailored for funeral ceremonies, including playing as guests arrive, during the procession, and as the coffin is lowered. Each performance is customized to reflect the significance of the occasion.

Absolutely. Finlay is more than willing to learn and perform specific tunes that hold personal significance to the family and the departed. Please provide the music in advance to ensure a heartfelt rendition.

It is advisable to book as soon as possible to ensure availability, especially during peak times. However, Finlay understands the nature of these occasions and will do his best to accommodate last-minute requests.

Yes, Finlay can perform at both burial and cremation services, offering appropriate musical tributes tailored to the type of service and the family’s wishes.

Generally, there is no strict limit. The duration and number of tunes are usually determined by the specific needs of the ceremony and the family’s preferences. Finlay will discuss and agree upon these details beforehand.

Yes, Finlay can provide recordings of his performances. This can help you decide on the suitability of his style for your loved one’s memorial service.

Finlay understands that changes may occur and therefore, he does not charge any fees for cancelling and rescheduling your plans. If you need to change any dates,  please let Finlay know as soon as possible so he can try to accommodate your request.

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