Headstone Ideas for a Bagpiper

Pipers play at weddings, parades, Remembrance services and funerals — often the last music heard at a graveside. For a piper, a memorial can carry the sound of the pipes and the pride of their heritage.

Symbol and etching ideas

• A set of bagpipes with drones.
• A thistle — see thistle meaning.
• Heather — see heather meaning.
• A Celtic knot border — see Celtic knot meaning.
• A piper in full dress in silhouette.

Personal touches

• Pipe band and years played.
• Clan or tartan name.
• A favourite tune.
• Pipe Major or other band role.

Epitaph ideas

• The pipes are calling.
• His last lament.
• Piped home.
• Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. (John Newton, 1779)
• Forever in the Highlands.

Tunes for a piper

"Amazing Grace" (words by John Newton, 1779) and the traditional laments "Flowers of the Forest" and "Going Home" are often played at a piper's funeral. A line or title from a traditional tune is a fitting epitaph and free of copyright.

Tartan and colour

A small band of their clan or band tartan, colour-filled under the name, adds warmth to a grey or black stone. Ask the monument company for a sample of the colours before approving. See Scottish headstone inscriptions.

Design tips

• Bagpipes etch beautifully from a photo of their own set.
• Pair with thistle, heather or Celtic knots.
• Have any Gaelic wording checked by a native speaker.
• See ideas for a musician.

Key Takeaways

• Bagpipes, thistles and tartan suit a piper.
• Name the pipe band and favourite tune.
• Traditional tunes are free of copyright.
• Check Gaelic wording with a native speaker.

Next Step

See occupation and hobby symbols and custom etched scenes, or try it in the Design Studio.