Moray SNP News

MSP VISITS FORRES BAGPIPING BUSINESS

Richard Lochhead MSP has visited the Forres based Burgess Bagpipes to learn more about their business and to hear about the progress they’ve made since setting up 2 years ago.

Mr Lochhead spent time with Burgess, Fiona and Scott Hay, who as a family run the business based in the Greshop Industrial Estate.  Burgess and Scott showed the MSP the process involved in making bagpipes, and the craftsmanship involved in transforming blocks of African blackwood into high quality instruments.

Burgess Bagpipes produce three different kinds of instruments and Scott, who is a talented piper, gave Mr Lochhead a demonstration on the Scottish Small Pipes, the Border Pipes, and the Highland Bagpipes that are designed and made by the family. 

Speaking after the visit, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“It was great to visit this young local business who are producing high end, quality instruments.  The family have a long family heritage of bagpipes and they clearly have a phenomenal amount of knowledge, as well as care and passion for the instrument.

“I learned a huge amount during my visit, from the process of producing Scottish bagpipes which begins with blocks of African blackwood, to the different sound and use of the three kinds of pipes made by the family.  On top of the fantastic skills they have for designing bagpipes, Scott is also an incredibly talented piper and I enjoyed  have the chance to hear him play.

“There’s a lot to be positive about in Forres and Moray just now, with new businesses popping up and I have to say that it’s great to have this specialist business based locally, developing a strong reputation, and I hope they go from strength to strength.

“They are insirpational and who knows maybe I'll try and learn the bagpipes one day! ”