The Secret History of Bagpipes

Available for 17 days

We all know about bagpipes: deafeningly loud, dangling from the arm of a kilted Scotsman, and the quintessential symbol of Celtic aggression and pride. Or do we? Tom Morton wrestles with the truth about this most peculiar of instruments. With contributions from former BBC war correspondent Kate Adie, numerous pipers and pipe-makers, and one man who was prepared to go to court to protect the right to play his pipes. Producer: Michael Surcombe First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004.