At just 17 years of age, Katie Robertson handles health conditions that would leave most of us flat on our backs. Yet, this lively lass from Carnoustie on Scotland’s east coast is a testament to tenacity, talent, and – ultimately – triumph.

“I started learning the chanter in school at the age of 13,” she shares via email with Celtic Life International, adding with a smiley emoji, “purely because music lessons corresponded with getting out of history class! I wasn’t particularly a fan of the bagpipes, but due to my disabilities it was the only instrument that was an option for me, albeit in an adapted way.

“Roughly a year later in May 2021, I progressed to the pipes but taking it much more seriously as I wanted to achieve something before my life-threatening spinal surgery for scoliosis.”

Beset with a range of medical issues that affect such basic functions as eating and breathing, Katie – or the “Wheeled Piper”, as she is known to her social media fans – has endured several stays in hospital, none of which deterred her from developing her impressive musical skills.

“I couldn’t eat anything and had a feeding tube fitted. Unfortunately, I suffered an allergic reaction resulting in a nasal bridle being necessary. However, there wasn’t a hospital admission where I didn’t bring my digital pipes, chanter, and laptop for Zoom lessons.”

Despite a host of added complications, Robertson discovered that not only was playing the pipes a form of physiotherapy for her hands – adversely affected by the pain of overlapping conditions and treatments – but it also provided a pathway to both inner and outer strength that has since boosted both her busking and live performances.

“Piping is one of the best therapies. My health aside, other challenges include being judged before I play a note because I don’t fit the mould of what a piper ‘normally’ looks like. I love it when people hear me busking from inside shops before they see me. They comment on the music – and that is what it should be about – but when they see the chair, they stare at me for the right reason!

“One of the biggest rewards piping gives me is the chance to change people’s perceptions of what anyone can do…”

As such, and with a long list of highlights to her still-budding career, Katie shows little signs of letting her current condition, or anything else, slow her down.

“My earliest achievement was getting a 1st and 2nd in The Royal National Mod after only 3 months on the pipes – I was so new to piping that I didn’t even have a kilt to wear! I also got to play with the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers in front of over 1000 people. I have played in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh twice, once with Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton, and the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, the other with The National Youth Pipe Band. I have participated in Piping Live! this year and last. In July 2023, I opened the UCl Cycling event at George Square in Glasgow. My favourite moment was in April 2023 in Dunning Village Hall where I played with my biggest musical inspirations; Ross Ainslie and Tim Edey.”

Playing pipes that were specially designed by the late John Elliot from G1 Reeds – who spent weeks working diligently to find a solution to allow Katie maximum ease – Robertson currently owns two sets of Great Highland Bagpipes – a standard 2004 Kintails set, as well as a newer set of B flat Marr Bagpipes with a one-of-a-kind chanter designed specifically for her.

Despite the modern adaptations, Robertson’s musical style is rooted in tradition.

“I know more 2/4 marches than I can remember the names of, can read music, and strive to deliver the right notes in the right place at the right time. As I evolve as a player my appreciation for various styles has shaped my own. Although I do play march, strathspeys, reels, and piobaireachd, I love the trad scene and playing with other instruments. Recently, I have started composing my own music with the hope of one day making an album of it.”

Considering all that she has already overcome and mastered, her more-than-30k online followers surely have something to look forward to.

@thewheeledpiper