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1000
The Instrument of War
The bagpipes were thought of as the instrument of war as pipers were said to have lead soldiers into battle as a way to represent which region of Scotland they belonged to. -
Jul 24, 1314
Bannockburn
At this time, a single droned bagpipe was used in order to urge soldiers to gain victory for their clan. The battle of Bannockburn was an important victory for Scotland as it was the first victory within Scottish independence. The battle was fought out between Scotland and England. -
1500
Development of the Bagpipe
It was said to be around the 1500s when a second drone was added to the bagpipe -
1581
Literature Involvement
"The Image of Irelande, with a Discoverie of Woodkarne" (John Dericke,1581) was a book that shows evidence of the bagpipes being used in English and Irish culture. The book includes art and literature that depicts battles, culture, Hierarchy's and more. -
Poetry
Bagpipes were mentioned in a poem which was published by "The Complaynt of Scotland" (1549, N/A) , a book used as propaganda in a war against the Kingdom of England -
Gaelic Tales
Gaelic culture was derived from Celtic Clans where tales would be passed down. Music played a large part in this culture as the use of bagpipes were consistently mentioned in eery tales. -
Prosecution
A piper from Perth, Scotland was prosecuted for playing the bagpipes on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day known as, "the lords day" and is meant to be reserved for church going rather than any other activity. -
Popularization
In the 1700's, the bagpipes became a very commonly used instrument. Pipers would be hired for weddings, festivals and even replaced the organ in some churches around Scotland. The piper even started to replace the harpist as the prime Celtic musician of choice within the Clan system. -
Art
The Laird of Grants is a painting made by Richard Waitt in 1714 that depicted William Cumming, a piper that served the Laird of Grants. They were an important part of the clan chieftain's traditional retinue. -
The Act of Proscription 1746
This act, enforced by King George II was in place to attempt to weaken Gaelic culture and have Scottish Clans fall apart in attempt to take them into the Scottish Highlands. Sections of this act included that children in school must have set prayers for the King and the Royal family as an attempt to remove any ideas to perform rebellious acts.Other sections made the carrying of weapons, including bagpipes, and the wearing of kilts a penal offence. -
Resurrection of the war instrument
The 51st Division of Highlands brought back the use of pipers. The musiciands would lead attacking parties into the Second Battle of El Alamein. -
Festivities
"Something about a soldier" was the first public military tattoo held at Princes Streets Gardens. This was an arrangement of a full military band that would perform for many spectators. -
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Held every August since 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo expanded it's seating and now hosts it's grand event at the Edinburgh Castle. This event includes many bagpipe bands accompanied by a light show projected on the castle and traditional Scottish Highland dancing. -
Period: to
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Held every August since 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo expanded it's seating and now hosts it's grand event at the Edinburgh Castle. This event includes many bagpipe bands accompanied by a light show projected on the castle and traditional Scottish Highland dancing.
