In this workshop, we will follow a Hebridean tradition consistent with that of ancient Egypt (original pipes buried 1400 BC). Join us working with nature using thatching reed and straws of ancient grains you can harvest in the wild, grow from seed, or order online (the “eco” drinking straws that replace plastic).
All materials will be provided for you to take away a working chanter with spare reeds. Age 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Suitable for families and music teachers. The make-your-own process, learning to cover one hole at a time, is ideal for beginners.

On Day 1 (Tuesday 10am – 12 noon) you will make reeds from narrow straws and learn how to get them sounding well in a jumbo straw.
On Day 2 (Wednesday 10am – 12 noon) you will make eight fingerholes and a protective case. If you can’t attend both days, come along anyway! If you run out of time, you can finish your chanter at home. Two days gives you time to make mistakes and to learn the art of getting straw reeds to sound as good as this: WATCH HERE 

Decker Forrest was taught to make thatching reed practice chanters and barley straw chanter reeds by Calum Beaton (Calum Eairdsidh Choinnich) of Stoneybridge, South Uist. Barnaby Brown and Marco Sciascia have reconstructed ancient pipes in the Turin Egyptian Museum which were made using the same materials and techniques 3,400 years ago: WATCH HERE

Please register in advance:

We need to know how many people are coming and your ages: please register at www.pibroch.net/piping-live-2026
and Pay What You Can at our Just Giving Page

This event will be in the Collinson Room in the piping school of the NPC, within the Festival Site. The programming across the site are included in your Festival Site day or week ticket.

The Venue

The centre serves as a national and international centre of excellence for the great Highland Bagpipe and its music. The Festival Site with the Centre Stage and Bothy Tent, as well as our food and drink tents will be on outside the Centre on McPhater Street. Ticket information is available here

Accessibility

The National Piping Centre and Pipers' Tryst restaurant has step access at both doors.

There is a lift available from the side of the building to all floors.

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor and 1st floor of the building.

During Piping Live! access is through the ramped entrance to the Festival Site, with ramp access into the Bothy where there is a bar.

There is also step free access to the lift access, which will be staffed by volunteers to assist you to your floor.

There is also an accessible toilet next to The Bothy.

You can see full access information at Euan's Guide here

Event Sponsor

Pibroch Network