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The Secret History of Bagpipes

Tom Morton investigates Pipes and Politics - from Northern Ireland to Galicia via Scotland and Northumbria. From January 2004.

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 麻豆社 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 麻豆社 Radio 4 in January 2004.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 30 Dec 2025 00:30
麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Fri 2 Feb 2018 06:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 2 Feb 2018 13:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 2 Feb 2018 20:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 3 Feb 2018 01:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 22 Mar 2022 14:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 23 Mar 2022 02:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 29 Dec 2025 10:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 29 Dec 2025 16:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 30 Dec 2025 00:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra