Bagpiper moves on – but it’s not because of abuse over his music
A bagpiper who made national headlines when his practising drew anonymous complaints, has now moved from his Roker home without ever finding out who the abusive letter writer was.
Alan Jamieson, 39, is an accomplished piper originally from Wishaw in Scotland and his playing at his former home in Dinsdale Road drew admiration from all the neighbours – except one.
In 2019 the Echo reported that his twice-weekly, halfhour practice, always done around teatime, was causing a “disgraceful disturbance” and thathewasa“publicnuisance”.
The Echo contacted Alan, a project manager with the Ministry of Justice, and the story was then taken up by a string of national newspapers.
Heendedupperformingon Good Morning Britain and became one of John Humphrys’ last interviewees on Radio 4’s Today programme. This led to thesamepersonsendingmore anonymous hate mail.
Alan, a key member of the City of Newcastle Pipe Band, is married to Georgia 29, and along with their sons Harry, five and Benjamin, one, they have now moved to East Boldon.
However, the couple are keen to point out that this was purely because they wanted a bigger house and not because of their anonymous angry neighbour, who was invited through the Echo to discuss the matter civilly over a cup of
tea, but never did.
But since the move Alan says he has had no such trouble
with his new neighbours.
Alan said: “My new next door neighbour appreciates
my piping. His father was a piper as well as a judge in piping competitions. And I’ve had the same appreciation from our other neighbours.
“In Roker 99% of the neighbours complimented me too.”
Sadly, coronavirus has meant that his performances have been confined to a couple of funerals.
He added: “I’m in the same routine. I still practise a couple of times a week on the pipes, but because of Covid I haven’t performed publicly. The last time I performed was when I led in the haggis at a Burns Night party; 25th January 2020.
“I’m hoping to perform again at the Gateshead Music FestivalinlateAugust.It’sbeen very frustrating, but it’s been the same for all musicians. There’s just nothing out there at the moment.
"All I can do is keep up the practice.”