The Bagpipes
Love 'em or hate 'em, the bagpipes are an integral part of the image of Scotland. Walk through the centre of any major Scottish city during the tourist season and there's a good chance you'll hear a piper. The music he's playing will probably be Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace.
Incidentally, pipers are almost always male. This is partly traditional because of the association between pipes and war. It may also be something to do with average lung capacity - I'm not a piper myself and would appreciate input on this point.
The most familiar form of bagpipe today is the Piob Mohr, the Great Highland Pipes. The air bag was originally made from the skin of an animal, however many of the instruments you can buy today use synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex.
History
The exact origin of the bagpipes is uncertain, however is seems probable that they didn't originate in Scotland. One popular theory is that they started life in the Middle East and were brought North by the Romans. Others believe them to be a purelyCeltic invention, however that seems unlikely since there is evidence of the pipes having been used in many other countries.Whatever the origin of the bagpipes, it was in Scotland and Ireland that the potential of the instrument was truly realised and the music embraced into the national culture.
The first known Scottish bagpipes date from around 100 AD. Their wailing could be heard across the high and low lands of Scotland and may have played a part in developing the legend of the banshee. They also became associated with the armies of Scotland - it's easy to imagine how the sound of massed pipes could be either inspiring or terrifying depending on which side of the battle you were on.
The sound of the Scottish pipes was so powerful that, along with kilts, they were banned for 35 years by the English Dress Act of 1746.
Fortunately bagpipes today are far less threatening, you're more likely to hear them played by buskers or at a wedding than in anger. Many people buy pipe sets and enjoy learning this evocative Scottish instrument.
