Interview with Munro Bagpiper

When did you first start playing the bagpipes?

I think I was about 8 or 9 years old. A teacher used to come to the school every Wednesday for the older kids, and I never really gave it much thought, until my classmate wanted to do it, so I did too. Turned out ok.

We loved Grant's nonchalant thoughts on the results of learning something that has made him famous worldwide!

Why did you decide to play your pipes at the top of each Munro?

I climbed Munros before taking my pipes up, and always regretted not having them. I always thought it would be a great feeling to play in such a spectacular place. When I was in my mid 20s, I started thinking about things I wanted to achieve while I was young, and “Wouldn't it be cool to pipe on all the Munros” came into my head.

A commonly asked question, and always difficult. Beinn Sgritheall will always hold a special place in my heart due to my connection to the Arnisdale/Knoydart area, and the fact it is absolutely stunning. But Beinn Alligin in Torridon, and any Skye Munro are just a different level.

For the uninitiated there are 12 Cuillin Munros, which are acknowledged as the hardest to attain. The Inaccessible Pinnacle (the In. Pinn for those in the know) is renowned as the most difficult Munro to climb requiring a high level of fitness and a strong nerve. As a result it is a popular challenge with climbers and adventure seeking visitors. A guide is recommended!

Does the altitude at the top of the Munro’s have any effect on how you play or how the pipes sound?

It’s only 3000-4000 feet, so altitude isn’t really a huge issue. It’s more the weather conditions at the top, and my physical fitness at the time that impact the sound. I’m not going to win any competitions on a Munro summit, let’s put it that way, but it’s not all about that.

We noticed people can hire you to play the pipes at iconic Scottish locations for special occasions, how did you first start offering this service?

This is just something I started doing when I couldn’t get to a wedding in Greece. As a compromise I said I would wish the bride and groom a happy life together, and play a tune for them. The video was played to them and it went down really well so I have done several since.

Grant is so humble! There are people all over the world who have received special messages from Grant, giving them a special and unique memory to keep. Follow his instagram to be inspired!

Have you ever played the pipes for people who are extra special to you?

On Sgurr Alasdair, the highest Cuillin Munro, I played a tune. Upon finishing, I could hear the echo rebound off all the other mountains on the ridge, which was then followed by a round of applause from each summit! I got chills!

Another proud moment was leading my old university, Heriot Watt, down 6th Avenue in New York City for tartan week.

Having attended the Tartan Day Parade ourselves we are well aware of the celebrity feeling of walking with thousands of Scots in a foreign city, waving and feeling the love for our country and it's heritage. Quite surreal! Bagpipe history is full of proud stories and one of my favourite facts is that bagpipes were originally used on the battlefield and are the only musical instrument in history ever deemed a ‘weapon of war’. And surely they are the only instrument to be banned? Not just once but twice, bagpipes were banned in Scotland in 1560 and again in 1746. James Reid, a Scottish Jacobite piper, was hung by British authorities for having a bagpipe during the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

What is your favourite area of Scotland?

North West Highlands, but there is so much to enjoy all over. The lesser celebrated East has a different charm. The far North is stunning also. It’s really hard to choose, but the North West is where my roots are.

Grant was born in Glasgow but his family moved up to Glenelg in the Scottish Highlands when he was just seven years old. He told us he doesn’t really remember much about city life at all, as most weekends and holidays were spent staying with his grandparents who lived in the mountain area.

We know that you are a part of Clan MacLeod, what does it mean to you to be a part of this clan?

I love my personal family history, my grandfather being a native Gaelic speaker from the Hebrides. My other grandfather was a Stoddart from Knoydart, so its more personal heritage than the “clan”. Our connection to these times gone by are slowly fading away. For example my MacLeod Grandfather talks about the time St Kilda kids started school with him after being evacuated from the island. It’s a part of history that very few people have personal experiences of now.

What is your favourite tartan?

I have always worn the Ancient MacLeod of Harris, however I have recently started wearing the Weathered version of this, and I love it! One for summer one for winter.