Guthrie Highland Pipes

Clients can expect a polished solo Highland piping performance tailored to the setting. For funerals and memorials, the tone is reverent, simple, and carefully timed around arrivals, processionals, graveside moments, and departures. For weddings and celebrations, the pipes add ceremony, energy, and a memorable sense of occasion.

Ryan arrives early, coordinates with the planner, officiant, funeral director, venue, or family contact, and confirms exactly where and when music should happen. Performances can be a short ceremonial moment, a featured entrance, or intermittent playing throughout an event. School and family events can include brief explanations of the pipes, Scottish culture, and time for questions.

Ryan Guthrie is a professional Highland bagpiper serving Austin, the Texas Hill Country, and Central Texas. A fifth-generation Austinite, Ryan first encountered Highland piping through the Scottish Games in Salado and his family's Irish and Scottish heritage. After learning locally with the Capitol City Highlanders, he traveled to the United Kingdom to pursue the craft professionally.

During seven years in the UK, Ryan performed with Preston Pipes and Drums at ceremonies and events across England and Scotland. He also served as the official piper at Lancaster Castle, one of England's historic ceremonial landmarks. On November 11, 2018, he was the solo piper at Lancaster Castle for the worldwide Battle's O'er Armistice centenary tribute.

Now back in Austin, Ryan performs for funerals, memorials, weddings, corporate events, school programs, Burns Suppers, Highland Games, patriotic ceremonies, and private gatherings. From quiet graveside services to large celebrations, every performance is handled with professionalism, precise timing, full traditional Highland dress, and care for the tone of the occasion.

The Great Highland Bagpipes are naturally loud and do not require amplification for most ceremonies or outdoor events. For indoor events, short featured moments or intermittent playing usually work best. Ryan can play as guests arrive, for processionals or recessionals, graveside moments, announcements, or a featured set. A typical continuous set is 10-20 minutes, with longer appearances handled as intermittent playing. For the fastest quote, include the event date, start time, venue or city, event type, and any song requests. Ryan coordinates timing, entrances, exits, and placement in advance so the pipes support the event rather than overpower it.