Piped music in his blood

The mystery is solved.
Angus Mackay is behind the haunting bagpipe melodies often heard along the Tamaki River.
The Scot from St Andrews can be found at the shore when the tide is high, blowing a lament for his homeland.
``I have a bit of a giggle about it being a loch, but it's not really - it's the Tamaki,'' he says.
His idea of a morning wake-up call is a wander down to the Pakuranga Sailing Club in Farm Cove with faithful spaniel Bracken, wheezing a Scotch air to the sea.
``It's a great way to get the old bellows going,'' says Angus.
Occasionally passers-by will give him requests or a thumbs-up, but Angus doesn't need an audience. After playing for 20 years, he finds it hard to stop.
The tide and the breeze have become a part of his music, setting the mood for his tunes. On a still day he can be heard 8km away.
Even if people don't know his music, they might know his face. Former pupils of Macleans College might remember him as the rugby-playing biology teacher, and visitors to Howick Historical Village might see him playing his bagpipes, helping in the gardens, waiting on tables or washing dishes.
He's piped at many a wedding, and he's about to partner up with organist Neil Guyan at Howick's All Saints Church. ``I keep popping up everywhere, really,'' he admits.
Angus also played an impromptu on Stockade Hill after the Anzac Day services last week. His great-uncle Lt Harold Allen was the first officer shot at Gallipoli. Now Angus has been enlisted for next year's commemorations.
Doing his bit seems to be part of his philosophy.
Not only does Angus volunteer at the historical village, but he attends church and picks up litter on the shore.
Back in the United Kingdom he served in the British Army.
Until a return of glandular fever put paid to his studies, Angus was also aiming to find a cure for diabetes, doing his doctorate at the University of Auckland.
He came to New Zealand three years ago when his parents - both Kiwis - retired here, and now the piper is here to stay. The weather is better and his roots are here. ``I think it's a great place - I love it.''
Contact Angus at angus1mackay@hotmail.com