Oban · Argyll · Scotland

The sound of
the west coast.

Bagpiping for weddings, events and ceremonies across Argyll, and lessons for anyone who wants to learn.

Get in touch → Hear me play
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I'm Aaron McInnes, a piper based in Oban. There are two ways we might work together.

Have me play

Weddings, funerals, ceilidhs, corporate events and tourist experiences. Anywhere a piper makes the moment.

Weddings & events →

Learn with me

Lessons for all ages and stages, in person or online. Younger players learning in groups are welcome through Etive Pipers.

Piping lessons →
Hear me play

The sound of it.

Here's how I'll sound on the day.

The Dark Isle
Slow air
Dougald Gillespie
12/8 march
Kenny Gillies of Portnalong
Jig
Weddings & Events

Piping for the
big days.

Whether it's piping a bride down the aisle, leading folk through to dinner, or marking the moment with a tune, I'll play what suits the occasion, turn up early and properly dressed, and make sure you've one less thing to think about on the day.

  • Weddings: ceremony, reception & dinner
  • Funerals & memorials, handled with care
  • Corporate events & tourist experiences
  • Travel across Argyll & beyond by arrangement

Guide pricing

WeddingsCeremony & celebration pipingfrom £150
Funerals & memorialsHandled with carefrom £100
Events & experiencesTailored to the occasionon enquiry

Prices are a guide and depend on date, location and timings. Travel within the Oban area is included; further afield by arrangement. Get in touch with your date and I'll come straight back with full details and a quote.

Check my date →
Aaron McInnes playing the bagpipes in Oban
About

A life in piping.

I'm Aaron McInnes, and I've been piping since I was seven, growing up in Oban learning from some of the finest players around, including more than ten years under Angus MacColl. Two decades on, the pipes have taken me from Highland Games and weddings to the other side of the world, and I'm still in my twenties.

For an event, that means someone who knows the right tunes, reads the room, and takes your day as seriously as you do. For lessons, it means a teacher who'll take you from your very first notes to a sound you're proud of.

PerformingWeddings, funerals and events across Argyll and beyond, solo and with Oban Pipe Band
TeachingTutor at Fèis Latharna, and founder of Etive Pipers, my youth piping programme in Oban
LessonsPrivate one to one, online, or in a group, for all ages and stages
Lessons

Learn to play.

Private lessons

One to one is the fastest way to improve. Everything is built around you, at your pace, working on exactly what you need, whether you're lifting the chanter for the first time or you've played for years and want to sharpen up. In-person lessons are currently taught in the comfort of your own home, with me travelling to you around the Oban area, or we can work together online wherever you are.

£20 / 30 mins £30 / hour
Enquire about lessons →

For younger players: Etive Pipers

Private lessons are the surest way to progress, but they aren't the only way to enjoy the pipes. Etive Pipers is my youth programme in Oban, where children and teenagers learn together in a friendly group, make friends, and get real chances to perform. Many young players do both, the group for the fun and the camaraderie, one to one to really push on.

Visit Etive Pipers ↗
Kind words

What people say.

From the very beginning of your piping experience you cannot go wrong with the patience Aaron has with you, and his clear explanation of the skills to master to improve your grade.
JimmyAdult pupil
Aaron has been a fantastic tutor for our son over the last few years. Fraser loves the group classes and lessons.
KatyParent
Good to know

Things people ask.

How far will you travel?

I'm based in Oban and cover Argyll as standard. I'm happy to travel further afield for weddings and events too, just get in touch with your location and I'll let you know. Travel within the Oban area is included in the price; anything further is added by arrangement.

How far in advance should I book?

The sooner the better, especially for weddings in the summer months, which tend to go first. That said, it's always worth asking even at short notice, as I can sometimes fit things in. If you have a date in mind, send it over and I'll let you know straight away whether I'm free.

What do you wear?

Full Highland dress as standard, turned out properly for the occasion, in the modern hunting MacInnes tartan. If you have something particular in mind for the look of your day, just let me know and we can talk it through.

What can you play, and can I request specific tunes?

Absolutely. I have a broad repertoire covering the traditional tunes you'd expect at a wedding, funeral or event, and I'm always glad to learn a particular tune that means something to you. The more notice you can give for a special request, the better.

How long do you play for?

It depends entirely on the occasion. For a wedding that might be piping guests in, playing during the ceremony, and a set as everyone moves through to the reception. Tell me how your day is shaped and I'll suggest what works.

Do I need to provide anything?

No. I bring everything I need and arrive in good time so you've nothing to think about on the day. For outdoor playing it's just worth having a sheltered spot in mind in case of weather.

Do you teach complete beginners?

Yes, and I love it. Everyone starts somewhere, and you don't need any prior music experience to begin. Lessons are built entirely around you and your pace, whether you're picking up the chanter for the first time or coming back to it after years away.

What age do lessons start from?

I start teaching from age seven, both privately and through Etive Pipers. Any younger and little hands can't quite reach all the holes on the chanter, or they get a bit fed up before they ever make it to the pipes. If your child is younger than that, the best thing you can do is get them listening to and enjoying the music. It'll be worth the wait!

Get in touch

Let's talk.

Booking a piper for an event, or thinking about lessons? Tell me what you have in mind and I'll come back to you.

Email or phone, whichever suits. One is enough.

Covering Oban · Argyll & beyond

Get in touch →