For generations, its sharp and unmistakeable sound has struck fear into Scotland’s enemies, emboldened its troops in battle and helped define its national identity. In a short, readable and highly informative text, Hugh Cheape presents the story of the pipes from their origins in ancient times right up to the present day. The illustrations, many of them not published before, are from his own collection. Hugh Cheape is a leading authority on the history and practice of piping and gives frequent talks and lectures on the subject.