About Us

Our Story

For more than two decades, Celtic Affairs has been a proud and passionate link between the Celtic homelands and Australia. Our journey began with David Ramsay, a Scotsman whose love for his heritage travelled with him when he retired to Australia. Determined to keep Celtic traditions alive for others far from home, David founded Celtic Affairs—an endeavour that would grow into a beloved destination for meaningful Celtic gifts, cultural items, and community connection.

Together with his wife, Anne Ramsay, David built a legacy defined by warmth, authenticity, and dedication. Even after David’s passing, Anne continued to honour his vision, ensuring that Celtic Affairs remained a trusted name within the Celtic community in Australia.

Celtic Affairs is, at its heart, a tribute to the heritage, relationships, and traditions cultivated by the Ramsay family. Their commitment shaped the business into what it is today:
a place where Scottish culture is celebrated, shared, and carried forward.

A New Chapter: The Blackshaw Family

In 2025, Celtic Affairs entered an exciting new chapter as ownership passed from Anne Ramsay to Simon Blackshaw and the Blackshaw family. This transition represents a continuation of the values that have always defined Celtic Affairs—community, heritage, and authenticity.

Simon (Jnr) brings with him an extraordinary depth of experience in the world of pipe bands and Celtic music. With a 25-year Piping Career, he has performed and competed internationally at the highest level for over a decade. His achievements include a 10-year tenure with the Victoria Police Pipe Band, contributions as a prolific composer, and his new role as Bagpipe Teacher at Haileybury College, where he is shaping the next generation of pipers.

His musical journey has taken him across the world, performing with esteemed bands such as the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band (Vancouver, Canada) and the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band (Christchurch, New Zealand). Today, he continues his leadership and artistry as a key player with Melbourne’s Hawthorn Pipe Band.

A Legacy of Expertise: Father and Son

What distinguishes this new era for Celtic Affairs is the remarkable piping lineage that supports it. Alongside Simon’s extensive career stands his father, whose over 50 years of dedication to the Pipe Band World adds an invaluable depth of tradition, craftsmanship, and knowledge.

Together, their combined expertise spans generations of performance, instrument craft, tuning, teaching, and competition. This shared passion elevates Celtic Affairs into something truly unique:
a business guided by two lifetimes of Piping experience.

Their insight ensures that every customer—whether a beginner, a competitive player, or a seasoned musician—receives personalised guidance informed by decades of real-world knowledge. From instrument selection and maintenance to reeds, tuning, and performance advice, the Blackshaw family brings a standard of service found nowhere else.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Under the Blackshaw family’s stewardship, Celtic Affairs remains rooted in the values established by David and Anne Ramsay. Their legacy of authenticity and community continues, now strengthened by world-class musical expertise and a renewed dedication to serving the Pipe Band Community.