VERY INTERESTING: BAGPIPES

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Fun And Interesting Facts About The Bagpipes You Might Not Know

Loud, bold, and patriotic, the Bagpipes are a fascinating, versatile instrument. The pipers’ shrill made its way to war front lines, cultural festivals, modern concerts, and even the Queen’s summit. 

A bagpipe is a manifestation of challenging ease; so simple in design, yet so intricate in its sounds! With a rich history full of twists and turns, there are a lot of facts about the bagpipes that you probably didn’t know. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. The Bagpipes Used to be Literal Skin Bags

Sounds awful, but it’s true. The Bagpipes were first made of the skin of dead animals like smaller goats or sheep.

The animal’s carcass would be cleaned and turned inside out. (Yes, the moisture inside this thing was insane!)

Then, the pipes were made out of hollow stalks or bamboo and then installed and sewn where the neck and limbs used to be.

Today, some people may choose to get skin bagpipes, especially Maltese Zaqq pipers.

However, it’s just more convenient to use synthetic leathers, plastic, and metals.

2. Bagpipes Were War Instruments 

During the first world war, and even the second, Scottish soldiers would often march into the war to the tunes of bagpipes.

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Military generals believed that the shrill of bagpipes would scare the enemy.

This practice is thought to have started during the Battle of Culloden when the Scottish pipers marched to battle playing.

Soon, every battle had its line of pipers, and it came to the point that the Highland Regiment wouldn’t walk into battle without pipe music.

3. Pipers Can Be Heard 10 Miles Away

Pipers chose The Great Highland Bagpipes (GHB) in battles for their high volume.

It’s believed that their music could be heard as far as 10 miles out!

No wonder they were used to spread fear among the enemy lines.

Other pipes like the Borderpipe or the Irish Uilleann pipes have a more moderate volume level.

4. You Can’t Adjust the Volume on a Bagpipe

Ironically enough, pipers can’t adjust the volume on their instruments and Bagpipes have no dynamics.

Instead, you can only just adjust the speed or stretch out the tones. 

Some pipers use silencer bags to keep the volume down.

However, the best way to pipe quieter is to get a smaller pipe altogether. 

5. Piping Was Outlawed… Twice

After the 1560’s Reformation, the British government banned both piping and wearing the kilt. 

The Second ban was after the 1745 uprising in Scotland.

Since bagpipes were considered war instruments, many pipers were hanged for owning bagpipes.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking