A pair of Perthshire’s most talented young pipers have set out on the adventure of a lifetime as they start new lives in New Zealand.
Adam Michie and Marshall Allan have been invited to join the New Zealand Police Pipe Band – one of the world’s finest.
The stunning offer came after the best friends – who leave the Scottish Power Pipe Band – guested in Wellington in March.
So impressive were their performances a phonecall soon came from the other side of the world offering them an opportunity.
Adam had one final Scottish date before leaving — piping at Almondbank’s Remembrance event on Sunday.
The duo – who will be staying with host families and will have to find work in their adopted home – will spend the next two years abroad playing with the band.
Hours ahead of flights to Dubai and then New Zealand Adam said: “Marshall and I were invited to guest with the band in New Zealand in March and jumped at that opportunity.
“We’d met members of the band at the World Championships and knew what a great bunch they were.
“Not long after our return we got calls from the pipe major asking if we would fly back out and join them for a few years.
“I didn’t know what to think. We’ve travelled far and wide with the band over the years but neither of us has ever lived in a foreign country before.”
In the end, it took Adam, from Almondbank, about half-an-hour to decide to uproot his life and try something completely different in New Zealand.
“It’s not every day you get invited to go on such a big adventure,” he said. “It’s such an exciting opportunity.”
Adam – who will stay with New Zealand Police Pipe Band members Andre and Kerrynn Peipei during his time in Wellington – began playing the pipes at the age of 5.
The passion for music that started has never faded – he says: “I just can’t get enough of it” – and he has come to love the pipe band scene.
After an excellent grounding as a scholarship student at Strathallan School under the tutoring of Jennifer Hutcheon, he joined the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, before moving on to the Scottish Power Pipe Band, both Grade 1 bands.
Now he and 19-year-old Marshall – who hails from Crieff – will continue their Grade 1 journey with the New Zealand Police Pipe Band.
One thing the 27-year-old knows he will have to watch out for, however, is the fine New Zealand weather.
“The last time I was in Wellington I spent half my time there in hospital after getting sunstroke,” he said.
“Thankfully I must have done enough in the time I was fit to play to impress the band.
“I loved New Zealand from the moment I arrived. The way of life is so different and it’s so relaxed.
“The people are so friendly too.
“Marshall is already out there and I can’t wait to join him and get started.”