Scottish Bagpipes

No sound can be more identified with Scotland, then that of the Scottish bagpipes. This instrument is at the same time the most recognized, loved and joked about, in the world. And there is no denying that, no matter what some say about Scottish Bagpipes, they are still a powerful national icon.

The history of the Scottish bagpipes is as mysterious and intriguing as their sound. There are only a few true and accurate references to the Scottish bagpipes, with a large amount what people commonly believe being no more then a myth from a inaccurate source. For example it is often said that after the 1745 Jacobite Highland rising, Scottish bagpipes were banned, this is not true in any sense, in fact there is no mention of bagpipes in any historical document from that time. Although as unclear as the history of the Scottish bagpipes may be at times, there are some interesting facts that we know historians do agree on. It is widely thought that Roman legions marched to bagpipes, Scottish bagpipes were also used to play Robert Burn’s “Scots Wha Hae”, when Robert Bruce’s men marched to Bannockburn, in 1314.

A fact often overlooked by people about Scottish Bagpipes, is that there are many different types, and not all of them are specifically Scottish. The instrument most often identified with the term “bagpipes” is, The Great Highland Bagpipe. This form of bagpipe has a very recognizable, yet at the same time intriguing shape, but with a quick hint it is easy to understand the Great Highland Bagpipe. The typical Scottish bagpipe has five pipes, each serving a different purpose. The most important being called the blowpipe, it is used to inflate the bag, next is the chanter which is used to play the melody, followed by the treble and bass drones, these provide a wider range of sounds to the Scottish bagpipes.

Although, chances are, right now you have one question on your mind, as do most people when they think of Scottish bagpipes.

How do they keep the continuous note?

The bag of Scottish Bagpipes allows the sound to continue for as long as the player wishes, by storing the air inside. While the player is taking a breath he can keep the Scottish Bagpipes playing by using the air from inside.

Scottish bagpipes are easily one of Scotland’s most easily recognizable icons both in sound and sight, and it is easy to understand why their majestic sound travels so deep into Scottish culture.

At Scottish Heirloom Company, we love Scottish culture and heritage, from Scottish bagpipes and Haggis and to our clan heritage and of course Scottish clans jewelry . Feel free to contact us anytime, so we can help you celebrate and enjoy Scottish culture like we do.