Aye Write is Glasgow’s book festival running from November 6-16, 2025, and is a celebration of books and literature, with lively discussion and debate. As part of this year’s festival writer, broadcaster, and musician Fergus Muirhead spends an afternoon in the company of two fellow pipers to discuss their books and enjoy a tune or two.
The event will take place on Sunday, November 9 at 2:30pm, in the Green Room of The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The tickets can be bought here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/the-bagpipes-a-cultural-and-musical-history-richard-mclauchlan-and-john-mulhearn-with-fergus-muirhead
Author Richard McLauchlan is our sure-footed guide to the fascinating history of the bagpipes, sharing stories from his new book The Bagpipes: A Cultural History. Although commonly associated with Scotland, the pipes are played across the globe, illuminating societies in remarkable and 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.
Joining Richard is the National Piping Centre’s own John Mulhearn, who discusses his new book, Let Piping Flourish. A love letter to Glasgow’s rich piping heritage, this hardback volume showcases tunes with Glasgow connections from more than 100 composers. With a wealth of photographs and historical anecdotes, it’s as much a visual treasure as a musical one. Part archive, part anthology, part tribute, it’s the first tune book of its kind.
Both books are available to purchase through the links below.