Scottish Smallpipes

Scottish Smallpipes or Lowland Pipes as they are sometimes referred to, were very common in the lowlands of Scotland around the 16th century as opposed to the Great Highland Bagpipe. Local Lowland Burgh  Councils employed pipers as full time musicians to attend and play at civic functions, they were also very popular at weddings, local markets and dances.

The Lowland pipe eventually became extinct until 1981 when an Northumbrian pipe maker Colin Ross, saw a set in a museum and built a replica set. The Smallpipes since then have become very popular as they are much quieter than the Great Highland Bagpipe, are pitched in concert 'A' making them more compatible with other instruments such as the fiddle and whistles.


The track playing demonstrates the Smallpipes mellow tones compared to the Great Highland Bagpipe at the end of the track.

In September of 2011 Ian Burrows was in New York City to play at the commemorations of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This tune, 'Waves of Remembrance' was composed by Colin McClelland for the occasion. Ian plays McCallum  Smallpipes and  low whistle accompanied by Sarah-Jane Bellingham on fiddle, Sam Davidson on guitar/keyboards, Colin McClelland and Robert Cupples on Highland pipes.