It’s interesting to learn that until 1996 the bagpipes were classified as a weapon of war. This does not simply mean an instrument played in battle, or a tool used to direct troops, it actually means a physical weapon, like a sword or a musket. The origins of this take us all the way back […]
As violence and unrest continues to engulf Kiev, footage emerged last week of a brave bagpiper playing ‘Bonnie Galloway’ as bullets hurtled past. Known simply as Eugene, the Ukrainian piper gave a rendition of the famous Scots tune despite having being shot in the ear with a rubber bullet. The self taught piper told the […]
Bagpipe playing Santa Clauses descended on Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens over the weekend, to help warm up runners at the city’s annual Santa Run. Hundreds of runners and walkers dressed as Santa took part in the Wish Upon A Star Charity event to raise money for sick and terminally ill children. The Stockbridge Pipe Band […]
It seems wherever you travel around the globe, you can’t miss signs of Scottish influence. From bagpipes being played in far off antipodean lands to Ceilidhs taking place in South America, the Scots have sure spread themselves far and wide. I recently traveled through Egypt, eyes peeled for any evidence of these great wanderers. Today […]
Throughout the month of August in Edinburgh, look up to the sky above Edinburgh Castle at approximately 10:30pm and you’ll be greeted with a spectacular firework display. It’s currently festival time in Edinburgh, so this nightly nocturnal pyrotechnic treat means the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has reached it’s grand finale for another evening. Performed every […]
The siblings Fiona and Faye Henderson from Kirriemuir practise at Blair Castle ahead of this weekend’s Glenfiddich Piping and Fiddle Championships. Fiona and Faye are finalists in the events, the most respected competitions of the piping and fiddle worlds. Faye, was the first woman to win the Gold Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering, one of […]
Risto Todoroski is playing a Macedonian gaida (bagpipe) made from a whole billy goat skin, hardwood sleeved in water-buffalo horn. A slow song followed by a folkdance tune from Macedonia and Thrace. Sorry but this sounds – bleeting awful…
