Hello everyone! Welcome back to whatever mischief I will be getting myself into today! I have been really racking my brain lately for ideas and sorting through the tangled yarn that makes up my fun facts, and would you believe it? The summer weather has transported me to my childhood and has brought back memories of listening to bands playing loud music… although perhaps the instrument I remember most is a bit unconventional, the sound is absolutely iconic! That’s right, today I want to talk about bagpipes!
While there are plenty of bands like the Red Hot Chili Pipers (not to be confused with the Red Hot Chili Peppers) who utilize bagpipes, I realize not everyone is so familiar with their history and modern usage, so let’s elaborate!
Although these instruments are synonymous with Scotland, some historians believe the bagpipe originated in Egypt and was brought to Scotland by invading Romans. Others believe they were brought over by the Scots tribes from Ireland which may be true; however, ancient Egyptians had a similar instrument made of dog skin with bone chanters which helps support claims that the instrument is not originally a European invention. That isn’t to say they all looked the same throughout history, though!
The bagpipes we all recognize today went through many iterations and, in fact, were created by Highlanders. The modern form we know with the three drones was created sometime during the early 1700’s; however, Highland music itself became more popular in the 1500’s by the MacCrimmon family. Where Highland pipers were in a more prestigious position, Lowland pipers were travelling minstrels and would often play at feasts, weddings, and perform dance songs. You might ask yourself “Becca, what is the difference?” and I am happy to tell you!
Highland bagpipes are inflated by breathing air into them and have a boisterous sound whereas Lowland bagpipes are inflated by the piper using their arm to squeeze bellows that bring in air and have a softer more intimate sound. The size of the Lowland bagpipe is also smaller than its Highland counterpart and can be comfortably played while sitting. Alas, not all is fun and games with the bagpipe. In the early 1700’s bagpipes became an instrument of war, replacing trumpets to help inspire Highlanders in battle.
Despite this, it was actually the British Empire that spread the instrument far and wide. Highland regiments would often be led by a single bagpiper, which realistically would probably scare the absolute heck out of me, thank you very much. It’s said they can be heard from up to ten miles away, so how foreboding would it be to hear bagpipes steadily moving closer before battle? Absolutely chilling!
This summer if you can make it out, I highly recommend going to the Highland Games, they are a lot of fun and bagpipe competitions are pretty amazing!
