About / Mur deidhein

In the world of search engines, websites and social media, it can be a minefield to get the right message out there to advertise your service to the public. Being able to stand out and to offer something over and above that of others is very difficult. To that end it was decided that Inverness Pipers / Pìobairean Inbhir Nis, was not designed to be just one person and not be just one language.

Yes, Iain Campbell is the creator and a piper for hire but, one piper can only play at one gig at one time. Therefore a network is needed, across the country to be able to give a shout out for someone to play at any gig anywhere.

Why Gaelic? Because we live in the Scottish Highlands (plus, my wife is a Gaelic Teacher!)

The piping and pipe band world, is very small in the grand scheme, but a very friendly and co-operative world which stretches across all continents from Canada to Argentina, USA to China and Africa to Australia. We strive to play for all and provide a service that is second to none.

Slàinte mhath!

A bit about Iain / Beagan fìosrachadh mu Iain

Iain's family roots stretch from Ballycastle, County Antrim, N. Ireland to Port Glasgow, Scotland and as far south as Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England. He learned the pipes at the age of 8 years old from a self taught piper, accordionist and fiddler, Pipe Major Herbert Such of Burton on Stather.

Lindsey Pipe Band

Còmhlan Pìob Liondsaidh

As with all forms of education the formative years are very important and it wasn't long before the band was amongst the prize winners at various contests throughout the UK, including the coveted and renowned Cowal Championships.

Argyll & Sutherland Hldrs

Rèisimeid Earra-Ghàidheal is Chataibh

Iain is one of a long line of family members who served in the military. His brother served in the Royal Artillery and his father served with 1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders at Fort George near Inverness.

It was not a surprise then that in 1983 Iain also joined the army, but he was the first known piper of the family. A former piper with the 1st Bn. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (A&SH) with which he performed various ceremonial duties at both Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, aswell as royal duties at Palace of Holyrood. He transferred to the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG's) in 1986.

During his time served in the army, notable performances included playing for HM Queen Elizabeth II's 60th birthday celebrations at The Royal Albert Hall, a performance for the then President, Ronald Reagan in front of the White House. A day at the races resulted with a meeting with HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at Royal Ascot and a solo performance at Crown Prince Pavlos' wedding to Marie-Chantel which resulted in a photo feature in Hello Magazine no less, with the wedding reception held at Hampton Court Palace.

Added to the aforementioned, several tours of the USA, countless excursions across Europe, countless appearances at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and other Tattoos around the world, the odd trip to the Middle East and the Falkand Islands all made for an eventful career.

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Freiceadan Marcach Rìoghail na h-Alba

Achieving great successes on the competition field in the 1980's with the then Grade 1 army band of the SCOTS DG, he attended the Army School of Piping at Edinburgh Castle where he attained various piping qualifications by completing the army's prestigious Pipe Major's Course.

In 1992 the Pipes and Drums were proud to be selected to perform at The Esplanade, Edinburgh Castle, to accompany Mike Oldfield on his newly released Tubular Bells II.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

A former officer of the Scots Greys (a regiment amalgamated into SCOTS DG's) Sir Ranulph Fiennes is noteable for his charitable but dangerous adventures across inhospitable terrains around the world.

In 1993 Iain attended and played at the Royal Geographical Society in London at a press conference on the occasion of Sir Ranulph's return from his latest unaccompanied Antartica venture. This was a complete surprise for Sir Ranulph who was extremely grateful for the distraction.

The adjacent letter of appreciation was sent to Iain from Sir Ranulph within which he hints on the bear pit that is, the dreaded press conference and the piping performance was a useful ice breaker for all.

Tayside Police Pipe Band

Còmhlan Pìob Poilis Tatha

Following retirement from the army, the natural progression at the time was to join the police and as such, Iain passed off the square at Tullieallan Police Training College in Kincardineshire in 1996. He soon became involved in the Police Pipe Band and was quickly instated to the position of Pipe Sergeant. Various successes were achieved with the pipe band on the competition field and there were plenty of opportunities for band tours across Europe.

Carnoustie & District Pipe Band

Còmhlan Pìob Càrn Ùstaidh

In 2012, Iain became Pipe Major of the Carnoustie and District Pipe Band and it wasn't long before the band climbed onto the prize lists at major championships.

Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band

Còmhlan Pìob MhicChoinnich Cailleannach

During his time at the helm of Carnoustie, Iain also played within the ranks of Dundee's, Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band during which time a great haul of silverware was taken at most of the major championships.

City of Inverness Pipe Band

Còmhlan Pìob Inbhir Nis

A number of policing posts saw him working the beat in the Dundee, Perth, and Angus areas where he latterly met his wife Ceitidh (Katherine) Campbell nee Smith, an acclaimed Royal National Mòd Gold Medallist and also a novice piper. Both moved to Inverness in 2015 where Ceitidh is now Principle teacher of Modern Languages/Teacher of Gaelic at Millburn Academy. Following a spell at Police HQ Inverness, Iain then retired from policing in 2017. After piping with Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band, he now plays with the City of Inverness Pipe Band.

On retirement from the police, Iain was fortunate to be involved in the Moscow Tattoo held on Red Square with the magnificent backdrop of St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin.

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