Recent reports from national media outlets have raised concerns about the future of Scotland’s iconic national instrument, the bagpipes, suggesting that their decline in sales may indicate a waning interest in the tradition.
The articles highlighted that the bagpipes were among the five least bought instruments in Scotland last year, alongside novelty instruments like the kazoo.
However, on Bute, the story couldn’t be more different, according to local pipe band leaders.
Jane Gillies, secretary of the Rothesay and District Pipe Band, was quick to dismiss these claims, explaining that the situation on the island is a far cry from these stories: “From our point of view at the pipe band, it’s not a trend that we’re seeing.
“The number of bagpipe sales may be down, but I’m not sure that it correlates in any way with people learning.”
Gillies pointed out that the Rothesay and District Pipe Band has a thriving tutoring programme that continues to attract a strong interest, adding: “We have a really strong programme, it has been for a few years now, and we’re probably one of the only areas in Argyll and Bute that isn’t funded by the council to run a tutoring programme.
“Our tutor programme is full at the moment – we’re bursting at the seams.”
The band’s tutor programme currently has between 40 and 50 students, and the group boasts a grade three pipe band made up of both adults and children – with around 30 young learners.
And the band has now reached the level where they can form a novice/juvenile band this year, with around 25 younger players coming up through the ranks.
Gillies also noted that the growing popularity of piping being taught in both private and state schools all over Scotland is a positive development for the instrument: “Piping being taught in schools, whether private or state-funded, can only be a good thing.
“It ensures the instrument’s future and keeps the tradition alive.”
When asked about the decline in bagpipe sales, Gillies was sceptical of any direct connection to recent reports.
She said: “I can’t see the link, to be honest.
“It could be that pipes are being recycled, around schools, that may have contributed to a reduction in purchasing of pipes.
“A lot of people do donate their pipes back too. They can last hundreds of years – the set that my husband plays were played at the Battle of the Somme, a good set of pipes will last.”
Strong local support for piping, combined with the continued success of the Rothesay and District Pipe Band’s tutor programme, suggests that the bagpipes remain a vital part of Bute’s cultural landscape.
Despite the national statistics, there is no indication that interest in the instrument is on the decline in this community.
For those on the Isle of Bute, the bagpipes are alive and well, with future generations continuing to learn, perform, and honour the tradition.
The Rothesay and District Pipe Band’s commitment to nurturing young talent ensures that the sound of the bagpipes will be heard on the island for many years to come.
And with the world’s largest schools pipe band competition taking place later in the year, Bute, and Scotland, will have the chance to defy the naysayers who believe the tradition is dying out.