My name is Richard

​I go by the pseudonym of "The Gauteng Piper" as I am based out of Weltevreden Park in Gauteng, but have travelled to Limpopo, The North West Province, Mpumalanga and the Free State most recently to Harrismith.

​​During lockdown, hard to believe it was already 5 years ago, I played my bagpipe every evening in support of the amazing job the emergency services and medical teams were doing, and to try help with a bit of morale when everyone was denying the severity of the illness. I played almost every evening for nearly 2 years. The amount I learnt about my instrument in that time, would take years when you don't play every day due to life responsibilities. Playing the bagpipes for anyone is an honour and privilege and is incredibly rewarding when I am well received.

I have played countless funerals, some Christmas carol services, birthday parties, 1 or 2 corporate events, a christening and some absolutely awesome weddings at some very spectacular venues including Stone Cellar near Heidelberg, 2 Venues in Parys or on the way to Parys. The Christmas Carols services have been as far as Randfontein, but most have been closer to home. I have travelled to Middelburg for a M.O.T.H remembrance service, I have travelled to Rustenburg a handful of times to play for a Burn's night for the Scottish Masons, I am also the piper for a private college in Honeydew, where I play at their opening assembly at the a the start of the new year, their matric final assembly and final year end assembly. Then I have played numerous parades for the band I am a proud member of, The African Skye Pipe Band, parades and gatherings in the band competitions, and then solo competitions through the year.

I have also had the privilege to play at 2 South African Tattoos, and 2 Basel, Switzerland, tattoos, this being the 2nd largest tattoo in the world just behind Edinburgh.

All these experiences happened because at the age of 38 I decided I needed to learn the bagpipes or regret not doing it. I should have started much younger, but it is never too late to start, I am glad I did