The Essex Scottish crossing over the canal bridge captured by the unit during fighting in Groningen, Holland, on the 15th of April 1945, the day following the action. Tom Coulson, a graduate of the Army School of Bagpipe Music in Edinburgh, Scotland, and student of the Legendary Pipe Major William (Willie) Collie Ross, M.V.O, M.B.E. (1878-1958) was a member of this Essex Scottish Regiment. In the photo he may be seen, second piper on the far left.

Tom Coulson after the War, taken at the armories in Windsor.

I am honored to be a member and the official piper of Clan Uisdean USA (Oosh-dn), whose members descend from Chief Hugh MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, and of which my own last name derives. I am a member of Clan Maxwell USA and the third generation of my line of Maxwell’s to be born on American soil. I was with the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums for the September 11, 2002 memorial service at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines, then in Waterloo in 2007 when we led Iowa’s 133rd Infantry into their return ceremony from Iraq after a record setting two years of service (featured in the CBS 60 min. documentary Fathers, Sons & Brothers). I am proud to be a member of the Scottish American Military Society post 1846. I belong to the Newton Masonic Lodge #59, the Scottish Rite Consistory, The Scottish Knights of St. Andrew and the El Riad Shriners. For the past 6 years its been a great honor and privilege for me to Pipe at the annual State of Iowa Golden Dome Awards Ceremony, hosted by Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, then by Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge. The Golden Dome Awards Ceremony is held in our State Capital building under its Rotunda. Over the years I have piped at numerous firefighter, peace officer, and military memorials, piped our troops into their deployment as well as return ceremonies, parades, weddings, funerals, and special occasions throughout central Iowa. My newest venture has been the development of www.iowabagpipe.com, where I offer the highest quality Bagpipes and supplies available, all at competitive prices with fast service.

BAGPIPES AT WEDDINGS
Having a bagpiper at a wedding is a way for the bride and/or groom to celebrate, honor, and connect with their Celtic roots or just to do something different and exciting. Many people ask how and when to use the bagpipes for the wedding ceremony. In my experience, the bagpipes fit exceptionally well at four basic times;

• BEFORE THE WEDDING STARTS - 10 to 15 minutes before the ceremony begins is known as Calling of the Pipes. Calling of the Pipes sets the mood of the ceremony and acts as a background that sets the stage for the wedding itself (can be inside or outside as guests arrive and lets those attending know the ceremony will be starting shortly).
• PROCESSIONAL - Occasionally the bride or the groom will wish to walk up the aisle with the bagpiper leading them in.
• DURING THE WEDDING - As a solo or to accompany lighting the unity candle.
• RECESSIONAL - Almost always the bagpiper leads the newlyweds back down the aisle. I would recommend that if you wish to incorporate the instrument at all, reserving the bagpipe for the end of the service always gives the most dramatic results, especially if the guests and family members have no idea a bagpiper is present.

BAGPIPES AT FUNERALS
The bagpipe is not only associated with joyous occasions, but solemn ones as well.  Memorial services across the nation pay tribute to our country's veterans, firefighters, peace officers, and our civilian loved ones in a way like no other when the distant sounds of Amazing Grace are heard.  In addition to military memorial services, a piper is quite often found playing at funeral services, either at the memorial itself or at the graveside.  There is probably no more dramatic and effective way to conclude a service of a loved one.

Please call or e-mail Ron for pricing. No deposit required. Payment due at event.