The History of Scottish Bagpipes

Although many people only associate the bagpipes with the Scottish Highlands, the instrument actually had its origin in the Middle East at around 1000 BC. The Romans also played the bagpipes and contributed to its slow evolution. Many theories suggest that the bagpipes were brought to Scotland during a Roman invasion. One famous Roman bagpiper was Emperor Nero. The Highland bagpipes are only one of many different variations of the instrument throughout the world. The modern Scottish Highland bagpipes consists of a bag, a chanter, a blowpipe, and three drones (pipes). Around the 16th century, bagpipes became commonly associated with war as the Scottish military used to sound of bagpipes to announce themselves marching up to battle. The bagpipes were also became an instrument of freedom during the Highland uprisings in the 18th century when the government was trying to stifle the clan system. Now, many people enjoy the music of bagpipes at Highland Games throughout the world. Bagpipes are also commonly played at weddings and funerals.