Piper Gregor was living the high life during Brechin’s Olympic torch relay celebration
ByNews reporter
Kim Cessford - 12.06.12 - pictured at the Olympic Torch procession through Brechin - ready for his piping role on top of the Mechanics Institute is Gregor O'Neill with the cathedral in the background
A young piper from Brechin made his own piece of history this week as the Olympic torch relay passed through the town.
While scores of people were watching the relay wind its way through the streets of Brechin on Tuesday, 13-year-old Gregor O’Neill was perched high above it all, providing the musical backdrop for the historic event from the roof of the Mechanics’ Institute building.
He may not have been seen by everyone on the day but Gregor’s music played a pivotal role as he piped Flower of Scotland and other traditional Scottish music as the crowds cheered on.
Gregor said playing on a roof was slightly different from his normal performances.
”I’ve played weddings and events before but never on a roof,” said Gregor. ”I’ve been playing bagpipes for about four years and it’s something different.”
His father Alan (53) said: ”The committee for the Mechanics’ Institute here know Gregor from playing different events and they usually get him to play on their Burns nights as well, piping in the haggis.
”He’s a well-known piper in the area.”
Piper Gregor was living the high life during Brechin’s Olympic torch relay celebration
