Bagpipe making (Highland pipes)

The origin of bagpipe making in the UK is unclear. What is certain, however, is that bagpipes have existed in various forms in Europe and the Middle East. They were known to be widely spread across Europe from the 13th Century and are first recorded in Scotland in 1400. The earliest written reference in England is 1285.

The name bagpipe has now become synonymous with the Great Highland Bagpipe but there are many different types of bagpipe, smallpipes and bellows blown pipes across the UK. Great Highland Pipes are now made all over the world and the manufacturing methods are increasingly mechanised. However, there are still some remaining craft makers with the hand skills to make Great Highland Pipes.

Cultural significance: Since the 19th Century Great Highland Pipes have become synonymous with Scotland, the British Military and pipe bands all over the world. One notable role is that of Piper to the Sovereign, a piper tasked to perform for the British Sovereign.

• Woodwork
• Leather work
• Cover making
• Metalwork

• Reed making

• Skills issues – There are a lot of different skills necessary for making bagpipes including wood work, leather work and reed making. It is challenging to become skilled in all these processes.
• Supply of raw materials – High-quality bagpipes are traditionally made from exotic hardwoods like African Blackwood or other dense woods. Strict import/export regulations (e.g., CITES) on these woods pose challenges for sustainable sourcing and increase costs.
• Market issues – The demand for bagpipes is relatively small and specialized, limiting sales primarily to enthusiasts, professional players, pipe bands, and cultural events.
• Market issues – Bagpipes can be cost sensitive and are a a significant investment. Makers must balance crafting high-quality instruments while staying competitively priced.
• Competition from overseas imports –  Imported bagpipes, especially from countries with lower production costs, create pricing pressures for UK-based makers.
• Global and geopolitical issues – For UK-based makers, Brexit has introduced complexities in exporting bagpipes to the EU, including increased tariffs, paperwork, and shipping delays.

• The Bagpipe Society
• National Piping Centre 
• The Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society
• Northumbrian Small Pipes Society
• The Fellowship of Makers and Researchers of Historic Instruments

Training in bagpipe making is a specialised field with limited formal courses available in the UK. However, there are some avenues you can explore to develop skills in this craft:

Apprenticeships with Established Bagpipe Makers

Traditional bagpipe makers may offer apprenticeships or one-on-one training. These opportunities provide hands-on experience in crafting bagpipes under the guidance of experienced artisans.

Instrument Making Courses

While dedicated bagpipe-making courses are not often available, some institutions offer general woodwind instrument making programs that can provide relevant skills:

• Lincoln College
• Cambridge Woodwind Makers
• West Dean College

A list of bagpipe makers and suppliers can be found on the Bagpipe Society’s website.

• Alan Waldron, Stirling Bagpipes
• R G Hardie & Co
• Duncan Soutar of St Andrews
• Kilberry Bagpipes
• Kintail
• McCallum Bagpipes Ltd
• Wallace Bagpipes 
• MacMurchie Bagpipes

This craft uses products derived from animals and exotic hardwoods – please read our ethical sourcing statement.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The National Piping Centre offer a specialist degree that allows pipers to study piping within the context of Scottish traditional music to the highest level.

• The National Piping Centre
• The Bagpipe Society
• The Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society
• Campbell, Jeannie, Highland Bagpipe Makers, The National Piping Centre (historical list of makers)