March 10th is International Bagpipe Day and we thought we would pay tribute to bagpipers all round the world as well as share a little bit of the history of the bagpipes with you!

Bagpipes are of course synonymous with Scotland although there are many variations of the bagpipe found across the world such as the small pipes of the lowlands and Northumberland, the Musette de cour in France, the Dudelsack in Germany and the Cimpoi in Romania!

The history of the bagpipes is as rich and varied as the types of music that are played on bagpipes today around the world.

The bagpipes were traditionally used as an instrument of war, when the pipes were used to inspire the Highlanders into battle and even saw use as late as WW2, the pipes inspiring the soldiers into battle.

One thing we do know for certain is that bagpipes are universally loved and are one of the greatest Scottish cultural traditions with Scottish bagpipe music recognizable the world over. The popularity of bagpipes today is as strong as ever with bagpipes being played in every corner of the globe.

Each April we celebrate National Tartan Day on April 6th with festivities involving the sound of bagpipes. The American Scottish Foundation as part of the National Tartan Day New York Committee is involved in the planning and organization of New York Tartan Week, an incredible celebration of the Scottish heritage of North Americans and the bonds of friendship between the United States and Scotland.

It’s an   unforgettable experience that draws people from all over the world to join in the celebrations and events with hundreds of bagpipe bands many coming from Scotland to join us. The American Scottish Foundation organizes the Bryant Park Fountain on the Terrace lunchtime concerts as part of New York Tartan Week and this year we’ll hear the sound of bagpipes at Bryant Park on April 9th and April 10th.

In Scotland The World Pipe Band Championships draw huge crowds of tens of thousands of bagpipe lovers to Glasgow in Scotland every year. Of course we haven’t had the chance to enjoy much live bagpiping recently but we all look forward to getting to the World Pipe Band Championships again!

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held in Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh is a world renowned spectacular that draws performers and audiences from all over the world to experience the unforgettable experience that is the Tattoo. Held on the majestic grounds of Edinburgh Castle The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is scheduled this year for August 6th – August 28th. Tickets are on sale and available at www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets.

There are many brilliant Scottish Highland Games and Festivals that take place all over North America which feature bagpiping events, competitions, performances and and parades by talented bagpipe bands who come together to celebrate the tradition and their Scottish cultural heritage. Plainly put, Scottish Highland Games and Festivals would be far less fun if it were not for the majestic sound of the pipes we all love so much.

The National Piping Centre in Glasgow, Scotland is a brilliant resource for those keen to find out more about the history and culture of bagpipes as well as offering learning opportunities through online bagpipe workshops and offers information on how to book a piper also for your special event!

On International Bagpipe Day we salute all the pipers and all those who love the wonderful sound of the bagpipes!