The Silver Chanter: Historical Tales of Scottish Pipers

by Stuart McHardy

All over the world people associate the bagpipes with Scotland. In this informative and entertaining book Stuart McHardy introduces Scotland's national instrument - its history, development and repertoire - and examines the part that the piper himself has played in Highland and Lowland society over the centuries.

The main bulk of the book is a series of thematically grouped tales from all periods and parts of the country in which we see aspects of traditional lore in stories of warriors, musicians, ghostly battles, the hand of friendship, exemplary heroism and the cost of supernatural help. There are tales of the MacCrimmons, the most famous island pipers of all, as well as Habbie Simpson, who was possibly the most famous of all the Lowland pipers. Whether dealing with great bravery or contemptible jealousy, the supernatural or the mundane, these stories reflect the central role that the bagpipes have played, and continue to play, in Scottish traditional culture.

Genres: Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Stuart McHardy is a Scottish writer, broadcaster and storyteller.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was somewhat difficult to get through the introduction and into this book proper, but once the tales of historic pipers began to flow, I enjoyed this book immensely.

I think my favourite stories were the ones about King James IV and his penchant for pretending to be a commoner to mix with the common folk for fun!

The best quote from the book is "Tae be bitten aince is experience; twice would be just daft."

And John Brown has to have given the world's best reference to another piper leaving the employ of Queen Victoria when he wrote "James McHardy left. Gave no offense. Signed, John Brown."

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming collection of stories, more suitable for a tourist than anyone looking for historical value.