Welcome to MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers

Buying bagpipes from us is simple and because we handcraft every bagpipe, each set is made to order just for you!

About Us:

David (nicknamed ‘Blue’) MacMurchie was born in 1957 in Western Australia, a third generation piper. Grandfather (Archie) emigrated from Dundee (Scotland) in 1924 and began teaching the young David the art of wood turning and pipe making when he was 12 years old. At the same time, Davids father, John Stuart MacMurchie (P/M 16th Btl. Cameron Highlanders) taught him the art of playing the pipes.

At the age of 19, David left Australia to serve as a piper in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (of “Amazing Grace” fame). As a young piper, his ambition was to be the first native born Australian to achieve the Pipe Major Certificate at Edinburgh Castle. David attended the Senior Pipers course in Edinburgh Castle (1977) and was recommended for the Pipe Majors course from which he graduated in 1983 with a double “A” pass (‘A’ for music writing, theory and history; and ‘A’ for practical playing), having studied with some of the premier teachers in Scotland. He was also awarded the Institute of Piping ‘Senior Teachers Certificate and the ‘Graduate Certificate’, thereby achieving his long held goal.

Following his army career he returned to Australia to become the instructor of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band (5 years) during which time he received the Advanced and Instructors certificate from the Australian Pipe Band College (1985).

Blue started his own business under the name “Scotsound Australia” making bags, reeds, chamber and small pipes before returning to Scotland in 1990 to set up his business which expanded to become ‘MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers of Edinburgh’ in 1993. In Scotland Blue also joined the Lothian and Borders Police (formerly the Edinburgh City Police) pipe band for 4 years and then the Black Bottle Whisky pipe band – both grade I bands. Over the years, Blue has competed as a soloist, competed with grade I bands and judged piping competitions in Scotland, Australia and Hong Kong.

MacMurchie Bagpipe makers is a two man (father-son) workshop which produces made to order pipes in a small woodworking shop in West Lothian, Scotland. Needless to say Blue and son John put a lot of care and fine workmanship into their pipes. The handsome drones produce a steady, sweet sound, and ranks among the finest available on the market today. The low gloss finish on the wood shows off the grain to its best advantage and is not subject to the chipping and crackling so often seen with other makes.

We are the only Bagpipe Maker to have made Bagpipes on Three Different Continents being Australia, America, and Europe. (Australian Pipe Band Championships Perth 1996, and Fergus Highland Games Ontario Canada August 2003 and Scotland of course ! ).

We use only the best quality of African Blackwood to make our Bagpipes, whether it be for a beginner or a professional player.

 

Our Bagpipes represent over 30 years of experience. not only as a Bagpipe Maker, but also as a Pipe Major. Combining both playing and craftsmanship.

Being a family run operation, We are eager to comply with special requests from customers, and to ‘customise’ our own or customers pipes. Requests such as putting a hallmarked, engraved Silver sole on the chanter; Imitation Horn rather than Imitation Ivory on the mountings; various choices of bag (or no bag), covers, and cords, installing universal valves in blowpipes etc. If it is possible to do, MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers are eager to do it, and we take pride in meeting the needs and desires of our clients. We give an honest estimate of time required for any work.

So, if your after a new set of Bagpipe's or looking to have your existing bagpipe upgraded or refurbished to the highest standard then look no further.

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We also have a private collection of used bagpipes which are in either great condition or have been refurbished or fully restored.

So, if you are looking to for a change or just wanting to enhance your own collection we may have what you are looking for.

Contact us for further details