Piper Alastair

Young man in a black blazer, white shirt, green tie, and a red and green tartan kilt, standing against a black backdrop with silver sequins, wearing a traditional Scottish sporran.

My name is Alastair Ian Hay, and I began learning the bagpipes in 2016 after being completely enthralled by another piper’s performance. I already knew that my grandfather had also been a piper, but sadly, he passed when I was just a baby. In time, I learned more about the incredible legacy he left behind. My grandfather, Ian Hay — the man I was named after — picked up the bagpipes at the age of 17. He later went on to become the founder of the Queensland Police Pipe Band in 1958 and became the band’s first Pipe Major.

From what my parents have told me, Grandpa was an outstanding player. More than 65 years later, his and his comrades’ legacy lives on through what is now known as the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums — a world-class ensemble of pipers and drummers who represent the Police across the state, sharing their message through music.

Fortunately for me, our family already had connections with the band, and gave me an opportunity to begin learning the instrument — and maybe, one day, to walk in Grandpa’s footsteps.

As it turned out, the Police had established a youth program called the Queensland Police Juvenile Pipes & Drums, designed to teach young players aged 8 to 18. This is where my journey began — with a practice chanter in hand (the bagpipe’s version of a recorder), with a bold goal and nearly zero musical experience to speak of.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But as I stuck with it, I found I had a knack for piping and progressed quickly. Eventually, I made the jump to a full set of bagpipes — and not just any set. I was honoured to inherit and play my grandfather’s own set of bagpipes. It was a proud and humbling moment that made everything feel real.

As my skills grew, I joined the Juvenile Band and competed in pipe band competitions across Queensland and New South Wales, in places like Warwick and Maclean. Eventually, I was appointed Pipe Major of the Juvenile Band — a role I held until I graduated out of the youth program.

My parents gifted me my very own kilt in our family’s tartan — Modern Hay, a striking combination of red and bottle green. Along the way, I brought tears to my Nanna’s eyes as I played all of her favourite tunes, as she was reminded by her dear late husband. Early on in my tuition, she would accompany my Mum and I and every Thursday night at band practice. When she passed, I was honoured to play at her funeral, where she was laid to rest beside him.

Today, I’m proud to carry on my family’s traditions and embrace our Scottish heritage. Though I never got to meet my grandfather, I hope I’m making him proud — even beyond the grave.

I’ve now become a seasoned and accomplished piper, capable of performing a wide range of traditional tunes to a high standard. Outside of weddings and funerals, I also perform at street marches, ANZAC Day ceremonies, charity and fundraising events, and more.

What I love most is the joy and emotion I can bring to others through music. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

If you have any questions about me or the bagpipes, feel free to get in touch, have a browse through the website, or connect with me on social media — I always enjoy a conversation about what I love to do.

Group of young people in Scottish kilts and police uniforms playing bagpipes and drums at an outdoor event with a crowd of spectators in the background.
Group of men dressed in traditional Scottish military uniforms, including kilts, standing outdoors in front of a building. Some are holding drums and drumsticks, with others standing in formation.
A young man in traditional Scottish Highland dress, including a kilt, sporran, and a feather bonnet, standing by a river with a cityscape and bridge in the background.
A person dressed as a police officer wearing a kilt, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat playing bagpipes outdoors near a playground structure.
A group of men and women in traditional Scottish kilts and police uniforms participating in a parade, with some playing bagpipes and drums outdoors under a blue sky.