Young north-east pipers bag dream ticket to Battle of the Brits

Three North-east school pupils are set to give tennis fans a boost later this month after being chosen to showcase their skills as the official bagpipers at Schroders Battle of Brits, Scotland vs England, at the P&J Live.

Alex Smith, Rory Menzies and Alex Wright were chosen by Brodies LLP, a partner of the event, to lead the likes of Andy Murray, Jamie Murray and Jack Draper onto court when they compete in the Granite City on the 21^st and 22^nd December. The event was originally scheduled for the same dates in 2021 before being postponed due to Covid.

The youngsters are from Robert Gordon's College (RGC) pipe band and are all experienced in playing to crowds and hope to provide encouragement to players from both sides to be at their best in front of the Aberdeen crowd.

With just weeks to go until the event begins, Alex Smith, the eldest of the pipers at 17, is already well versed in playing to big audiences: "As one of the pipe majors of the RGC combined cadet force pipe band I really enjoy performing at events, some of my favourite moments so far in piping have been having the opportunity to play at COP26 and to perform with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

"I love playing tennis and, for me, it will be a real highlight for the three of us to perform at Battle of the Brits".

Tournament Director and Team Scotland player Jamie Murray said: “As soon as I hear the bagpipes it gives me goosebumps. It’ll be so inspiring for all of us players. I’d like to thank Brodies and all three of these incredibly talented young local musicians for helping us fill the P&J Live with the unique sound of the pipes.”

Nick Scott, managing partner, Brodies LLP also said: "These three young pipers will be an asset to the Battle of the Brits event. It will not just be the best of British tennis on show at the P&J Live, but the event will now also shine a light on some of the best young musical talent from the North-east who I am sure will thoroughly entertain the crowds there.

"Supporting the 'Battle of the Brits in the Community' programme is a fitting way for Brodies to support tennis participation, for a number of different groups across the community, and to celebrate all that the City and Shire has to offer."

Tickets for the event are available here.