Bagpipe Specialists would wish you a happy and prosperous 2012. 

Burns Supper

With Christmas and Hogmanay over the piping world now looks forward to the annual Burns Supper.  If you are piping at such an event it is prudent to make some checks first.  Prior to the evening make sure there will be tuning facilities available and ask that they might have the luxury of some heat in them!  No point in tuning up for 10 minutes and settling the pipes only to walk into a room which is vastly warmer having had the luxury of body heat and drams which will result in the pipes going well out before the top table is reached.  Ensure you bagpipes are at their best with some of Bagpipe Specialists drone reeds and chanter reeds.

 Tunes for Burns Supper

Ask the hosting organisation if they have a preference for the tune selection.  If they don't then any or all of the following would be acceptable. A Man's A Man for a' That, Corn Riggs, Bonnie Gallowa', Rowan Tree, My Love She's But a Lassie Yet.  These tunes can be found in Bagpipe Specialists selection of Bagpipe Music.

 Running Order

Also confirm with the hosting organisation what running order they want.  It may be that they want guests piped in as they arrive.   Do they want the top table is piped in first with the haggis to follow after the Chairman's address and the Selkirk Grace?  Are you expected to play later in the evening?  By checking out the running order there will be no surprises. 

 Hazards

On the evening check the route that you will be expected to take to the top table and make sure the haggis bearer is aware of this also.  Look out for any potential problems you might have on the way to the top table (door frames that you will have to duck under, anything which might snag your drones, trip hazards etc). 

 Who's In Charge

Pipes and Haggis bearers should be singing from the same hymn sheet (not literally but that may happen later in the evening!).  Make sure that they know who is in charge and that cues should be taken from the Piper. 

 Drams

The Piper's Dram is something to give consideration to also.  Perhaps you don't want one or would prefer something soft.  If you are going to accept the generosity of the hosting organisation make sure the quantity is manageable as traditionally it should be consumed in one swallow!

 Spruce Up

Enjoy your evening and perhaps consider sprucing up your pipes with a new bag cover, drone ribbons or pipe cords.