'It was incredible, an absolute honour' - Piper speaks about playing for royal visit to Edinburgh

An Edinburgh piper has spoken about what it felt like to welcome the Earl and Countess of Strathearn to Scotland's capital during their royal tour.
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Lou Marshall, a professional piper and piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, played some Christmas tunes at Waverley station as William and Kate arrived on Monday morning for their UK tour.

The royal trip stretches over 1,000 miles and will see the couple visit key workers who have been working above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, Ms Marshall said it was an “absolute honour” to play for the royal pair as they arrived into the Edinburgh station.

Lou Marshall playing as William and Kate depart from Edinburgh picture: JPI MediaLou Marshall playing as William and Kate depart from Edinburgh picture: JPI Media
Lou Marshall playing as William and Kate depart from Edinburgh picture: JPI Media

"It was an incredible day,” she said, still sounding out of breath from playing the pipes.

"An absolute honour to play for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"They were so lovely and told me how much their boys love the bagpipes.

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"It was incredibly special to be part of their tour which has been arranged to boost morale and thank all our wonderful key workers who have been risking their lives to save lives during these difficult times.”

It’s not the first time the Edinburgh piper has played for a royal audience.

She has previously piped for Her Majesty the Queen and has performed in front of Pope Benedict when he visited the Capital.

"Playing for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is up there with one of the biggest events I have played at,” she added.

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"There was something special about this time though given the terrible time that we are all going through with this virus.

"It was incredible playing for them while they were on tour thanking all those who have worked so hard to fight Covid.”

Ms Marshall was asked just last week to play for the royal couple’s arrival.

Videos of her playing on the day have since been shared all over social media, including on the Royal Family’s Instagram page.

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The Edinburgh piper paid her respects to key workers each week during the nations ‘Clap for Carers.’

Every Thursday she was out in Sloane Street in Leith and the surrounding streets piping as residents clapped for the country’s NHS staff.

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