In the shadow of Edinburgh castle lies the Royal Mile, a street famous for its history, tourist attractions, and restaurants. There’s something for everyone, and millions of tourists flock there each year to experience Scottish culture for themselves. Although people and shops come and go, one thing remains the same: the bagpipes.
Buskers lining the streets provide the Royal Mile with a unique soundtrack which can be heard at any part of the street. The drones of the bagpipes are instantly recognizable, and the street performers play tunes ranging from the classic to the modern.
To the Scottish people, these pipes are more than just a tourist attraction. This instrument represents the rich history of Scotland and the struggles that the people have overcome.
Tunes Throughout Time
Despite Scotland’s love of bagpipes and the world’s tendency to associate between the two, bagpipes didn’t originate in Scotland. In fact, the earliest mentions of a similar instrument actually come from Egypt. The instrument was originally made out of bone and dog skin, with different variations popping up throughout history after that. The form of the bagpipe changed a lot over time, and the Highlanders developed the bagpipe as we are familiar with it today.
Even though we don’t know exactly when bagpipes made their way to Scotland, we know they were there at least by the 1400s because there are accounts of bagpipes being heard on the battlefield. Because of their piercing sound and high decibel output, bagpipes became the perfect war pipe and played an important role in inspiring the clans to battle.
This led the bagpipes to become an iconic part of Scottish culture, which was already dynamic and complex. Unfortunately, this beautiful culture would soon become a target for Scotland’s greatest rival. In 1746, in response to the Jacobite rebellion, the British government implemented the Act of Proscription, which attempted to assimilate Scottish culture and suppress the Scottish clans by banning things like kilts.
Sources debate over whether bagpipe playing was also banned, but the act did its job in suppressing Scottish culture, and the result was a steep decline in bagpipe playing. It wasn’t until 1782, when the act was repealed, that bagpipes finally had their time to shine again.
Music That Defines a Landscape
Now, bagpipes are a recognized symbol of Scotland and are even the national instrument of Scotland in peace and war. Today they are still frequently used, whether it’s at a funeral, a wedding, or even in a rock and roll song.
Among the buskers of the Royal Mile, you can find pipers of all ages, showing that this art is continuing on throughout the generations. It’s an opportunity for them to share their legacy with the world and make sure that culture is not forgotten.
Visit the Royal Mile and experience the music for yourself. Take a moment to pause and appreciate the rich history surrounding you as you listen to a rendition of “Scotland the Brave.” The ringing drones and iconic melodies are better than any souvenir and are sure to stay with you long after you’ve left Scottish soil.