Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the National Piping Centre. This building sits at the north end of Glasgow’s Hope Street although is actually located at 3-5 Larbert Street.

History and information

This was formerly a Free Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) building from 1872 which could accommodate a congregation of 1000 persons. Building material is attractive cream sandstone. It was designed by architects, Douglas and Sellers to an Italianate design but with hints of Classical Greek.

Inside the main body of the building is stained glass. This is intended to give an indication of the formal yet poetic nature of classical bagpipe music. Additionally, the glass illustrates the complexity and multi-layered quality of this type of music. The three stained glass windows were designed by John K Clark.

The centre is now dedicated to the playing of Scottish and Irish bagpipes. These comprise Great Highland, Scottish Small Pipes and Irish Uileann Pipes.

Facilities at the piping Centre include:

• School
• Rehearsal rooms
• Auditorium
• Piping tuition.

There is also a shop, museum and Piper’s Tryst Restaurant.

The centre is easily accessible from central Glasgow. It will be of interest to students of architecture and those who wish to connect with bagpipe instruments.

More information for the visitor

Bagpipe playing can be witnessed at events such as Highland Games and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland for a wide range of information on Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. The book is also available via Kindle.

Video clip of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo