Shonagh Duncan

Shonagh Duncan has 20+ years of Bagpipe experience. Shonagh was originally based in the Scottish Borders where she was taught to play the Bagpipes by Pipe Major Andrew Ainslie BEM of Duns Pipe Band. Shonagh's family - her Father in particular - are very musical. This inspired her to learn about and to enjoy music as a child; yet, she was the first Piper in the family. Shonagh went on to perform at events across the Scottish Borders and beyond. After extending her Highland and Border Pipes skills through tuition from established musicians in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Shonagh studied Psychology at University in Edinburgh. In 2017 Shonagh relocated to Chester, England, from where she performed at a variety of special occasions, from weddings to funerals, cruise ships, and more. In 2019, Shonagh moved back to her homeland of Scotland and is now based in Central Scotland where she continues to perform at a wide variety of events and special occasions.
Shonagh's core focus is to provide a tailored service for each client: for example, by including tunes that are special to you or simply surprising your loved ones with a piper. Tell Shonagh about what you would like from a piper; you can then together discuss how to make that happen! If you are not certain about what you'd like the piper to do, do not worry - Shonagh will discuss this with you and provide suitable suggestions for your event. Get in touch for this tailored service!

Media

Featured on Live T.V. and Radio including:

Live BBC Breakfast T.V. With members of Pipers Trail, to represent The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Live Norwegian Breakfast T.V.Solo, representing The Edinburgh Tattoo
Live BBC Radio 2. With Pipers Trail to represent The Edinburgh Tattoo
American 'Today Show' T.V., alongside The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Featured in Newspaper articles including:

The Sunday Post
Dnes (a daily newspaper in the Czech Republic)
No.1 Magazine
The Chester Chronicle
The Berwickshire News

SCD Solo Piper

Cruise Ships

Shonagh performed on Fred. Olsen Cruise ships across the Scottish and Faroe Islands. This brought a great Scottish flare on board the ship for the guests to enjoy.

Shonagh piped at various points throughout the cruises; at embarkation and disembarkation, piping guests into dinner and the Captain's cocktail evenings, and on deck at scenic points of the journey. Shonagh also provides a Q&A interactive talk about the Great Highland Bagpipes.

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About

Funerals

There is something very special and personal when helping families and friends to say goodbye to, and to reminisce about their fond memories of, their loved ones.

Arranging funerals can be very upsetting; hence, Shonagh helps in arranging the piping with you, allowing one less thing for the family to think about. Equally, Shonagh is more than happy to play tunes which are sentimental to the families when requested.

"... a heart felt thank you for today. You made my Auntie's funeral perfect and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Weddings

Shonagh is delighted when asked to pipe at weddings - being a part of such a joyful day makes being a piper the dream job!

Shonagh treasures memories from all weddings. Shonagh often pipes the bride down the aisle: this is a beautiful moment to share as the couple begin their journey in marriage. Shonagh loves to work with each client individually as she believes that there is something truly special in creating a day suited and personal to each couple. These are moments which she feels truly honoured to be a part of.

"Thanks for the part you had in our day. Everyone loved it and it was a great surprise for... my mum!"

Military Tattoos

Shonagh performed alongside inspiring musicians, including Major Steven Small MBE, Pipe Major Alisdair McLaren, Finlay MacDonald, and Pipe Major Ian Duncan.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Military Tattoo 2017 - 2019 (with Pipers Trail). In one show Shonagh piped the solo section of the Splash of Tartan set composed by Finlay MacDonald.

Musikfest der Bundeswehr 2017 - 2019 (with Pipers Trail).

Norwegian Military Tattoo (with Pipers Trail). In addition to the shows, this trip included a Street Parade through Oslo, and a solo performance live on Norwegian breakfast T.V.