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The Bagpipes: A Cultural History - Book Launch

The National Piping Centre

The Bagpipes: A Cultural History - Book Launch

The National Piping Centre

Join author Richard McLauchlan and piping great Colin MacLellan as they bring to life the pages of Richard's new book, The Bagpipes: A Cultural History.

Date and time

2025-08-14 16:45:00

Venue

The National Piping Centre

Tickets

This event is Free but you will need a Festival Site Ticket to see these events.

Festival Site Day Ticket: £10 Std / £9 Over 65 / U16 Free + £1.50 booking fee

Festival Week Pass: £40 Std / £36 Over 65 / U16 Free + £1.50 booking fee

Festival Week Pass + All NPC events: £149 Std / £134 Over 65 / U16 Free + £1.50 booking fee

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From Emperor Nero to Treacherous Orchestra, from medieval cat pipes to modern tales of terrorist pipers, The Bagpipes is a history of piping like no other. Political commentator Alastair Campbell has called it 'a revelation for pipers like me, and for anyone interested in how an instrument can transform culture.'

In this event, Richard will take us into the heart of his findings, revealing the centuries-old political, cultural and emotional power of this revered, sometimes reviled, instrument. Colin's piping will stud these observations, providing the perfect illustrative element. Come and enjoy this eye- and ear-opening hour, which will conclude with a signing.

The Venue

The National Piping Centre

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. During Piping Live! access is through the ramped entrance to the Street Cafe, cross the marquee and then out the other door to the lift area. There is also an accessible toilet here.
You can book a welcome through the WelcoME platform here
You can see full access information at Euan's Guide here