Pipes at a wake/funeral

**Chas** · 4th February 13, 05:12 PM

I believe that you have been grossly misinformed.

Regards

Chas

**Singlemalt** · 4th February 13, 05:42 PM

Aonghas, I had the sad duty of arranging my mothers funeral last year. She had made it clear she wanted a piper and it was easy to arrange through the funeral home. I left the selection of music up to the piper and he did a great job. Certainly "Flowers of the Forest" was played and prominent but I particularly enjoyed "Towrie Burn" (I believe the same tune is also called The Black Isle). It seemed to evoke an appropriate mix of sadness in passing but celebration of a life well lived for a proud lady of 89 years.

**aonghas** · 4th February 13, 06:01 PM

Singlemalt, my condolences on your loss. Yo
Chas, Singlemalt, thanks for the response I`ll talk to the piper and get his advice.

**creagdhubh** · 5th February 13, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

I believe that you have been grossly misinformed.

Regards

Chas

***

**Macman** · 5th February 13, 11:29 AM

aonghas, I agree with what everyone else has said. I think there is a lot of misinformation about "The Flowers of the Forest", especially among pipers. A lot of "traditions" and legends seem to have sprung up about the tune. I've heard everything from "it can only be played at your service if you served in the military" to being told that it can't be played or practised indoors on pipes. I'm with you - my heirs have strict instructions to have it played at my service. Hopefully my brother will play it. I hope our wakes are far in the future!