Using a big screen, colourful syllables, memorable gestures, and powerful harmonies, Barnaby makes the real McCoy easy to handle. Learn a pibroch classic, Lament for Alasdair Dearg, in ninety minutes. Take home a score developed by graphic designer Kate Carpenter, whose book The Gesto Canntaireachd is available from the National Piping Centre shop.

Alasdair Dearg would have become chief of the Glengarry MacDonalds had he not died in about 1630. His musical memorial was transmitted orally for over 150 years. We will use syllables transcribed from the singing of Pàdruig Òg’s grandson, Iain Dubh MacCruimein (c.1731 – c.1822) by the laird of Gesto.

Like doctors and priests, professional pipers helped people cope with misfortune and difficulties, handling whatever life threw at them. Scotland’s Big Music is a force for wellbeing, connecting us across generations and mindsets, engaging with history that everyone loves. Join us as we connect with an awesome cultural inheritance through wholesome community singing!

To rest and recharge during this whole body workshop, we’ll have a conversation: Singing – Melting barriers to connection with the soul and the lineage, part of our series gathering international intelligence.

This event takes place in the Bothy tent and is free to attend as part of your festival day site ticket. Please ensure you arrive in good time for the start of this event.   

The Artists

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The Venue

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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