Richard McLauchlan is a Scottish writer, educated at the Universities of St Andrews and Cambridge, and a former pipe major, taught by Colin MacLellan.
On Friday, May 2, at Pilrig St. Paul’s Church in Edinburgh, Richard will give a talk at the release of his book The Bagpipes: a Cultural History, his diverse history of the pipes – from inspiring terror on battlefields to enriching cultures worldwide.
The vivid history of the bagpipes tells the long story of an instrument boasting over 130 varieties, yet commonly associated with just one, from one country: Scotland’s Great Highland Bagpipe. In fact, the pipes are played across the globe, illuminating societies in remarkable, unexpected ways. Richard charts the rise of women pipers; investigates class, privilege and capitalism in the piping world; and explores how a ‘national instrument’ can shift in meaning amidst the currents of identity.
Tickets for the launch even can be booked here: https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/edinburgh/richard-mclauchlan-bagpipes
Richard McLauchlan is the author of Serious Minds, and John Campbell’s collaborator on Haldane (both published by Hurst), Richard co-founded the educational charity Light Up Learning.