Every year on 10 March, bagpipers and music lovers around the world celebrate International Bagpipe Day, honouring one of the most recognisable and historic instruments in Scottish culture. From battlefield calls to festival celebrations, the bagpipes have a deep-rooted history and continue to play a vital role in Scotland’s musical heritage. Here’s a closer look at Scotland’s love affair with the bagpipes and where you can hear them.

The History of Bagpipes in Scotland

While bagpipes are found in various cultures, the Great Highland Bagpipe is closely associated with Scotland. The earliest Scottish references to bagpipes date back to around 1400, with their use in a military context becoming prominent by the 16th century.

Bagpipes served as martial instruments, notably replacing the trumpet on battlefields, as evidenced during the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. Their powerful sound carried across vast landscapes, making them ideal for rallying troops.

Post the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the British government enacted the Act of Proscription, which aimed to suppress Highland culture, including the wearing of tartan and the bearing of arms. While the act did not explicitly ban bagpipes, their association with Highland regiments led to a decline in their public use during this period. However, the tradition survived and thrived, becoming a defining feature of Scottish culture.

Where to Hear Bagpipes in Scotland

Bagpipes are an integral part of Scotland’s music scene, and you can hear them in various settings, from official ceremonies to casual street performances.

• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – Held annually at Edinburgh Castle, this world-famous event showcases massed pipe bands from around the globe.

• The Piping Live! Festival (Glasgow) – Scotland’s biggest celebration of bagpipe music, attracting top pipers and traditional musicians every August.

• Street Pipers – Walk through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and you’re likely to hear the sound of bagpipes played by skilled buskers.

• The National Piping Centre (Glasgow) – A hub for bagpipe education, performances, and exhibitions dedicated to the instrument’s history.

• Highland Games – Many of Scotland’s traditional Highland Games feature pipe bands, with competitions showcasing the best players.

Types of Scottish Bagpipes

In addition to the Great Highland Bagpipes, Scotland is home to other varieties, such as:

• Border Pipes – Also known as Lowland bagpipes, these are bellows-blown with a conical bore, producing a robust sound suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.

• Scottish Smallpipes – A modern re-interpretation of an extinct instrument, these bellows-blown pipes have a softer tone, ideal for intimate settings and folk music.

Learning to Play the Bagpipes

For those inspired to take up the pipes, Scotland offers many opportunities to learn:

• The National Piping Centre in Glasgow provides courses and online lessons.

• Local Piping Societies across Scotland welcome beginners.

• Online Tutorials & Sheet Music make it easier than ever to start learning.

• The Bagpipe Society, established in 1986, aims to bring together enthusiasts, offering resources such as the quarterly journal Chanter and hosting events like the annual Blowout gathering.

From its historical significance to its continued presence in Scottish life, the bagpipes remain a symbol of Scotland’s musical and cultural identity. Whether you’re hearing them at a festival or played on a city street, their distinctive sound is instantly recognisable.

How are you celebrating International Bagpipe Day? Let us know in the comments!