Stenhousemuir bagpiper offering birthday services for those isolating

A bagpiper is hoping to hit the right note by offering his services to those stuck in isolation on their birthday.
By Jonathon Reilly
Published 29th May 2020, 12:15 BST

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Stenhousemuir resident Daniel Sweeney has been inundated with requests in the past 48 hours after detailing his plan to provide special performances for anyone celebrating a new age who’s confined to their home during lockdown.

The self-employed 46-year-old, who has 30 years of piping experience, wants to put his talents to good use in order to make such occasions “more memorable”.

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His new service will also, Daniel hopes, bring in a steady stream of income during financially uncertain times.

Stenhousemuir resident and piper Daniel Sweeney is starting a birthday performance service for those in isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown. Picture: Michael Gillen.Stenhousemuir resident and piper Daniel Sweeney is starting a birthday performance service for those in isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Stenhousemuir resident and piper Daniel Sweeney is starting a birthday performance service for those in isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown. Picture: Michael Gillen.

He said: “As a full-time professional bagpiper, this pandemic has, like many other small businesses, seriously impacted my business.

“My main source of income is piping at weddings. All that has dried up almost completely. My next wedding is in October.

“By doing this small thing, I am not only bringing a little joy to people who are housebound, but it is also about local residents supporting a small business such as myself.

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“I thought I would offer a service just for a small fee and I’ve had a massive amount of interest.

“You’re thinking, ‘What can you do that’s special and will make it more memorable?’

“Piping has a feel-good factor. A lot of people’s folks can’t get out the house so I thought if I could play a few tunes it would brighten up their day and bring the neighbours and community out.”

Originally from Crieff, Daniel moved to Stenhousemuir six-and-a-half years ago.

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He has become a familiar face to fellow residents of Rae Street where he has entertained neighbours every Thursday night during the Clap for Carers.

A Scottish Wedding Awards winner, he began piping full-time in 2017 and is now the official bagpiper for graduation ceremonies at the University of Stirling.

With his first lockdown birthday gig scheduled for next week, Daniel explained how his social distancing-compliant service will work and said: “I’m going to stand 20 metres back from the houses and play up the street for half an hour.

“I offer six or seven tartans I can wear if people are having a specific colour scheme.”

Daniel can be contacted via Facebook, his website or on 07708784863.

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