Tartantown Blog
Fun Facts About Scottish Highland Bagpipes
You may love the music of bagpipes or you may not quite like them, but you certainly cannot ignore the sound when you hear the lilting tunes. Back in the day, Aristophanes, a comic playwright of ancient Athens, joked about pipers from Thebes equating the sound with wailing dogs. That never dimmed its popularity throughout England. Both Henry VII and Henry VIII are said to have enjoyed the music of the pipers. From Chaucer to Shakespeare, the bagpipe has been mentioned by many. It travelled from country to country, revered to this day, making its own name in the pages of history.
The origin of the bagpipe is rather interesting. Contrary to popular belief, it was not born in Scotland but has its origins in the Middle East after which it travelled all the way to Europe and made its presence there. Here are a few fun facts to see the instrument in a new light.
10 Fun Facts
- The Gaelic word for “bagpipe” is “P’iob mho’r” that literally means “big pipe.”
- The classical bagpipe music has an equally tongue-twisting name: “piobaireachd” (pronounced “peebrock”).
- The bagpipe was traditionally made from the skin of sheep or elk skin which is turned inside out. Pipes were attached to the pockets where the legs and neck once were. Thankfully, modern bagpipes are made of artificial fabric such as Goretex.
- The first documented European bagpipe dates back to 1,000 BC. References to the bagpipes in written form dates back to the 2nd century AD.
- They were used in Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Bulgaria. The Roman bagpipes were called “tibia utricularis” and the Bulgarian was called “Gaida.” Even the Tunisians, Egyptians and Indians developed bagpipe-like instruments. The Zampongno that evolved in Italy is fitted with two chanters.
- The Scottish Highland bagpipes were used as an instrument of war right from the 16th century.
- The chanter doesn’t rest between the tunes. The volume of the tune cannot be changed. The variation in tones is created through three drones that are belted out the top of the bag that produces a constant sound.
- The Highland pipes are just one among thirty different varieties of bagpipes that have evolved worldwide. Unlike most other cultures, they kept the tradition of the bagpipe music alive. Don’t be surprised to find a great grand uncle or two in Scottish families who played the “Gaita.”
- The instrument is comprised of several parts such as the blowpipe, the bag, the chanter reed, and the drone or drones. The chanter is from where the melody is created by the piper. The drone or drones belts out the constant note that doesn’t carry any variation.
- There are nine notes that can be played through the bagpipe, ranging from G to A. The bagpipe bags hold air. The piper blows into it through a tube or pumps it with bellows. The air is pushed out creating a wailing sound when the bag is pressed or squeezed, called “drone.” Each drone plays a different but constant note with no variation through a vibrating single or double reed. The harmony is created by the “chanter.”
TartanTown - Your Scottish Department Store for Over 40 Years
We offer all things Scottish from traditional highland bagpipers to the tartan kilt, dance shoes and more for weddings, special events, graduations, birthdays and exclusive occasions. Our accessories are of the highest quality, available both for purchase and rent.
We now offer Lee and Sons African blackwood bagpipes that are handmade in Canada. Give us a call to entice your guests with the vibrant and rich sound.
Universal tartans that anyone can wear
Some people with no connection to Scotland may feel awkward wearing a tartan, but there is no need to feel that way. There are several universal tartans anyone can wear regardless of their heritage. These patterns have become so renowned that people from all over the world have adopted them. Look out for these colours and patterns when searching for a tartan piece to add to your collection.
Royal Stewart
This is the tartan that started them all. It is the most well-known with its red background and green, yellow, and blue stripes. Sir Walter Scott chose it for King George IV's visit to Edinburgh. This was the time when laws banning tartan started to get lifted. Commoners took on the pattern as well to show their loyalty to the royals. That is when the royal family adopted the Balmoral tartan purportedly designed by Prince Albert. It is meant only to be worn by the royals and the Queen's piper. The Royal Stewart is the personal tartan of Her Majesty the Queen and is deemed appropriate for all subjects of hers to wear.
Black Watch
This deep blue and green pattern also known as Campbell honours the brave. The subtle depth and dark, moody vibe this pattern exudes makes it appeal to both men and women. British Prime Minister Theresa May often sports a suit with the pattern. Black Watch gets its name from being known as the plaid pattern worn on the kilts of the men a part of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders or Argylls for short. The design is also known as Government 1A with the 1B version being commonly commercially woven. The famous regiment is best known as the Black Watch. Their duty was to ensure the Highlands remained free of crime and deterred fighting between clans starting in the 1700s.
MacLeod of Lewis
This tartan is famously known as Loud MacLeod because of its bright yellow colour and is ideal for people who like to stand out. Originally from the inner and outer Hebrides Islands and the western mainland of Scotland, the Macleod Lews has outgrown these areas. It is recognized as one of the boldest patterns in the world.
Lindsay
Because of this tartan's classic red and green pattern, it is easy to style. It is often seen on women's school uniforms, jackets, and skirts. The first Lindsay recorded in Scotland was in 1120, but it was descended from Danes. The family that took on the tartan gained land in both Scotland and England but had to give up their English property during Scotland's wars of independence. The family has since spread out all over the world and so has their tartan.
Dress Stewart
Many school uniforms also sport this plaid, but it has gained popularity beyond that as well. Dress Stewart is used in high fashion and traditional pieces. Dress tartans, in general, are typically reserved for dress-up occasions. While this particular Dress tartan remains a source of pride for Stewart family members, it is also enjoyed by many all over the world. Dress Stewart is used commercially by many different types of designers.
Scotland Forever
A Scottish weaving mill invented this modern pattern. Its name comes from the famous battle cry heard at Waterloo. Scotland Forever was explicitly designed to be a tartan that could be worn by anyone anywhere regardless of their heritage.
Other Tartans
While donning a tartan gives clans and families a sense of pride in their heritage, they are not the only ones allowed to wear one. The tradition stems from honouring a community one belongs to. That is why there are plaids designed for cities, regions, schools, companies, clubs, events, etc. This list mentions some of the most known and used tartans in the world, but there is no rule stopping you from wearing others. Wearing someone's plaid is a sign of comradery and respect. So when it comes to choosing a tartan, pick any that you like. Think of the many patterns as Scotland's gift to the world.
Feel free to shop Tartantown and pick any plaid that catches your eye.
Choosing a Bagpipe
There is so much choice in the marketplace these days that selecting your bagpipe can be a daunting task. Whether a beginner buying your first set or an experienced player wishing to upgrade it can get very confusing.
To make matters more complicated, pipers are notorious for having many different opinions (especially online) and, as well, everyone is an expert! Select trusted and experienced sources for information.
Factors:
1) Quality/Tone
2) Reputation/Experience
3) New vs. Used
4) Price
Quality/Tone:
Bagpipe makers have perhaps never been more competitive. There are a lot of good sets being made by very competent individuals and firms. We at Tartantown would like to think that all the makes we carry are quality products and that really a customer cannot make a poor decision. Where
Reputation/Experience:
Consider the history and reputation of various bagpipe-makers and firms. This can be done by speaking with other pipers, searching online and by the good old-fashioned investigation. Historically, for decades, some very poor bagpipes were made. Conversely, some newer makers are putting out very good instruments. They are taking great care making one set at a time and the workmanship and finishing are top-notch. Be careful not to buy extremely light-weight and cheap bagpipes. Essentially they do not work and are best mounted on the wall – preferably with a large nail right through the bass drone!
New vs. Used:
There are pros and cons to either choice. One major pro to new is the makers now have very strong warranties supporting their range – some as long as 10 years. For use, it is definitely “buyer beware”. The hardest thing to figure out when buying old pipes is determining exactly how dry the wood is and how it will react to sudden moisture. The stress on wood changing from dry-wet-dry is pretty incredible. Another point to consider is that (with old pipes) most often the bag is poor (or wrong size for you), the blowpipe is the wrong length or restrictive, the chanter is unbalanced and the reeds are poor (or sometimes rotten!). At the end of the day, there are some very good old sets
Price:
Pipes today are so good that
Feel free to contact one of our bagpipe
Moisture, Bagpipes, and the Flux Blowpipe
Bagpipes want to go out of tune continually and usually succeed! Anything to make the overall sound more pleasant and dependable is a good thing in the piper’s tool chest. Moisture control stabilizes tone for longer periods of time without question. Back in the day, once the reeds were wet - that was the end of the story in terms of having the instrument work. Performances at the highest levels were marred by drones drifting out of tune.
Pipers have sought control by many methods in recent years. Thankfully, many products have come to market that have been “game-changers” in this quest – breathable bags, removable canisters, increased absorption reeds, and numerous others.
With the introduction of the Flux blowpipe, this could be another major game-changer. That is because moisture will be pulled out of your breath long before it gets to reeds. In fact, moisture is reduced pretty much as it comes out of one’s mouth – inside the blowpipe itself.
This should add some certainty to the where, and to what degree, moisture is being eliminated.
There will be a host of benefits but a few significant ones will be:
- Extended playing time
- Greater control of the instrument
- More (or less) options for need in bag choice and overall moisture control
Should You Rent or Buy Your Scottish Kilt?
Need a traditional highland dress for a special occasion? Wondering whether you should buy or rent one? You may want to ponder through a few considerations:
Is buying a kilt more expensive than renting?
On first thought, renting may sound cheaper than buying an authentic kilt. After all, a kilt is a complex piece of clothing. A kilt can be worn for numerous occasions and many people find it more comfortable than wearing a suit and tie. A kilt from Tartantown lasts a lifetime so it is an excellent investment if you see yourself wearing the kilt to more than one event.
Do you really need a good fit?
A kilt should always fit you like a glove. Off-the-shelf kits may not have the best fit for you. If the kilt is loose at the waist or made with
Should you wear your own tartan?
Tartans represent the family or clan from where it originated. There are thousands of names affiliated
Will a rented kilt be as high quality as a custom-fitted one?
Rental kilts are well
If you are shopping to rent a kilt, trust Tartantown to help you out. We have been in the business for over 40 years, providing premium kilts made in Scotland for weddings, graduations, birthdays and special dinners, for both purchase and rent.
We can help you discover your roots to choose the right tartan, find the right fabrics, and get custom fitted authentic kilts with accessories, made to exact measurements, that you can wear with pride.
Buying a Kilt Online
While many people are still skeptical about buying clothes online, you do not have to be when it comes to buying your kilt at Tartantown.com.
When it comes to picking a tartan for your kilt, there are thousands of options available. One can use their surname to find their clan affiliation and pick a tartan to represent their family. There are also many universal tartans that anyone can wear proudly. Browse our website's tartan finder or let us help you find the perfect tartan.
Although we have hundreds of tartan samples in our store, our online store has even more variants to looks at. Viewing tartans online gives you plenty of time to go through all of the options available.
Measuring for a kilt can seem difficult, but you can use our online measurement guide to get your proper measurements. Please contact us on the phone or e-mail if you ever need more guidance for measuring.
We understand that not everyone has the time to schedule an appointment to come into the shop to be measured. Ordering online allows you to place an order on your own schedule at any time convenient to you.
If you are searching for a kilt, shop Tartantown online, we have a wide variety of to choose from and knowledgeable advisors you make your choice. We also have bagpipes and Highland dance supplies for sale as well. If you prefer a more personal touch, feel free to stop by our brick and mortar store in Coquitlam.
Tartantown is Moving!
After 36 years in our current location, we are moving our shop from Coquitlam to Port Coquitlam. We plan to open at our new location on October 2nd.. We appreciate everyone who has come to visit us from the Pacific Northwest and beyond over the last three plus decades. It is always great to catch up in person and we will continue to have a “brick & mortar” location. We are hoping to have as little disruption as possible to our online store and shipping orders but please be aware there may be some delay with shipments at the end of September and into early October.
To celebrate (and lighten our packing), we are having one of our largest sales ever right through the month of September. Pretty much everything in stock is on sale. Check it out!
We look forward to having you visit us at our new location starting in October, 2023:
708 - 2071 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC.
Our next milestone to look forward to: 50 years in business! This milestone is happening in 2026.
How a kilt is made
There is a lot of curiosity surrounding kilts - the traditional garment used by the Scottish usually with a tartan pattern. Although the origins of the garment can be traced back to the 16th Century, much has evolved in terms of the design, fabrication and tailoring of a kilt. Here is how a kilt is made.
Design and Construction
The Scottish kilt has a unique design, construction and convention which is distinct compared to any other type of garment. It is a tailored piece of garment which is wrapped around the waist. The fasting mechanism of a kilt comprises of straps and buckles that secure the garment on both ends. The inside strap usually passes through a slit near the waistband which is typically buckled on the outer side. In some constructions, this strap also remains tucked in and needs to be buckled inside the waistband.
A kilt usually covers the body from the waist to the knees. The front design comprises of overlapping layers that are called as aprons. It is actually a single piece of fabric which is pleated. A kilt pin holds the front apron on the free corner. Scottish traditions dictate that men are not supposed to be wearing any apparel under a kilt. However, many modern wearers prefer to wear shorts as a caution due to the kilt’s unique construction.
Fabric
A typical kilt is made from twill, which is woven worsted wool. A modern-day kilt for an adult needs about six to eight yards of 26-30 inches or three to four yards of a double width tartan fabric. A double width fabric is woven in such a fashion that the pattern matches on the selvage perfectly. Most kilts are hemless as it increases the weight of the garment and also changes its fitting on the wearer. However, the exact amount of fabric depends on several constraints like the size of the sett or the number of pleats put into the garment and the size of the wearer.
Setts
Setts are one of the most distinctive features of an authentic Scottish kilt. They are symbolic to a particular clan and be traced back to a couple of centuries. While today’s tartans depict districts, counties, societies and corporations, it was not until the Victorian era that the traditional tartans were even recorded and formalized.
Measurements
Although most kilts are ready to wear, bespoke kilts require at least three measurements: waist, hips, and length of the kilt. Although it may seem that kilts are loosely hanging, a properly tailored kilt can be bucked quite securely and comfortably around the wearer’s body. Standardly sized kilts, when bucked appropriately will reach only halfway across the kneecap.
Pleating and stitching
Usually, kilts are pleated in two ways: box or knife pleats. Knife pleats are simple folds, and box pleats are a bit bulky. Knife pleats are quite common in modern civilian kilts although their regimental traditions may be different. It is interesting to know that many tartan wearers choose a variety of accessories like belts, kilt pins and jackets to complete the look.
Finding an authentic kilt is a challenge, especially because this coveted garment has a unique construction, tailoring and tradition attached to it. If you are looking for an authentic kilt, visit us at www.tartantown.com to experience authentic Scottish traditions.
What to Wear to a Scottish Wedding
It’s just as likely for the kilt-clad men to steal the show at a Scottish wedding as the women in attendance. Whether you’re a guest, the best man or the groom, you’re likely to feel a lot of pressure to look good. But not to worry, we’re here to give you the ins and outs of how to look your best, while still feeling comfortable, at a Scottish wedding.
Traditional Attire
You can’t go wrong with a traditional kilt outfit that honours your Scottish lineage. There are several ways to do this, some of which include wearing a kilt that represents your clan tartan, or a more contemporary tartan for all to wear. Accessorize this with an appropriate jacket (prince charlie or argyll), sporran, hose, sgian dubh, and ghillie brogue shoes. These will create a clean and traditional look for the big day.
Heritage Look
Inspired by the traditional style without acknowledging a specific clan, you can always choose a Scottish wedding look that honours the country’s rustic appeal. Go for a head to toe in a Prince Charlie or Argyle jacket. Make a statement showcasing your creative style while still sticking to tradition. But you can’t forget about accessories! You can also go with a more rustic look incorporating a tweed jacket, vest, and matching socks.
Modern Outfit
Not everyone wants to rock a traditional kilt outfit from head to toe. Sometimes the occasion calls for something different, something completely out of the box. If you’re going for a modern look, try combining a slim herringbone tie with a tweed jacket.
Alternative Fit
If you don’t fancy the idea of wearing a kilt to a Scottish wedding, then that’s your decision. The good thing is that there are other ways you can maneuver around a traditional outfit. To stick with the traditional apparel, we recommend you try out a pair of plaid trousers instead. This is a great option that will keep you looking formal while still sticking to your own style and what makes you comfortable.
At Tartantown, we provide customers with a large variety of products spread throughout our 3,500 square foot store. Located in Coquitlam, British Columbia, our Canadian shop has bagpipes for sale, as well as kilts, highland dance supplies, drums, other dressing attire, instrument accessories and more. With expertly trained staff, be sure to stop by our shop or browse through our online store
The Whimsical Story Of Mrs. Bessie Murray And The Accidental Birth Of The Nova Scotia
A woman named Bessie Murray designed the Nova Scotia tartan. Murray was the president of the Halifax Weavers' Guild and was called upon to create a trade display for sheep rearing. In the display, it was decided that there would be a shepherd wearing a tartan kilt. Murray did not want to display any kind of favouritism towards one clan over another, so instead of designing the shepherd with a clan's tartan, she created a new one all her own.
The new tartan that she created became incredibly popular and had been designed with Nova Scotia in mind. It featured five colours: blue, green, white, gold, and red. Each colour represented a different facet of Nova Scotia. The blue represented the sea, the green represented the evergreen trees, the white represented the surf, the gold represented Nova Scotia's Royal Charter, and the red represented the lion rampant on Nova Scotia's coat of arms.
The tartan has been designed with the help of Isabel MacAulay who was Canada's expert on Scottish Clan Systems and knew all things tartans. As the owner of Bond Textiles, she knew a lot about the creation of tartan. Once the popularity of their created tartan took off, it was MacAulay who registered it with the government of Nova Scotia in 1955 as well as with the Court of Lord Lyon in 1956. The Court of Lord Lyon is the official heraldry office in Scotland. They have the authority over all Scottish heraldry and coats of arms. The Court accepted the tartan, and it became an official tartan that year.
Seven years later, in 1963, the province of Nova Scotia passed the Nova Scotia Tartan Act, which had them officially adopt the tartan. This tartan is not clan specific and can be worn by anyone as a district tartan.
As part of the Tartan Act, every year on April 6th in Nova Scotia they celebrate Tartan Day. The purpose of Tartan Day is a day to appreciate the Scottish heritage and clans that make up Nova Scotia as well as those who are spread out across the nation of Canada.
At Tartantown, we have a variety of Nova Scotia tartan products. We offer our clients scarves, blankets, ties, and bowties. Browse through our extensive list of tartans and learn about the history that goes into their creation.
The History of Highland Dance
Highland dance has a rich history that has been spread across the world as Scottish people immigrated around the globe. There is nothing that better captures the essence of Scottish culture than the performance of Highland dancing during a celebration.
The first-ever recorded instance of Highland dancing, a type of war dancing in its infancy, was in 1285 during the second marriage of Alexander III to Yolande de Dreux. The dances recorded were intricate and choreographed, which indicates that they existed much earlier than their first recorded date. Another instance of Highland dancing in history is the record from 1573, at Stockholm Castle in Sweden, where Scottish mercenaries performed a sword dance for the King of Sweden, John III.
While most Highland dancers nowadays are women and girls, Highland dance traditionally was used as a way for kings and clan chiefs to choose their men at arms. Due to the strength and stamina required to perform Highland dancing, and the discipline needed in learning it, it was considered a good judge of a dancer's abilities.
The majesty of Highland dance was almost lost at one point in time. In 1746, after the Battle of Culloden, the government in London set out to purge the Highlands of the clan system as it was considered rebellious. The mere act of wearing a kilt or carrying a weapon was deemed a penal offence, and the law was diligently enforced. Once the act was repealed in 1785, there was a lost enthusiasm for the garb and props that had been made illegal and were needed to perform a Highland dance. It was not until the Victorian era in the 1800s that Highland culture was revived, due in part to Queen Victoria's love for Scotland and Scottish culture and heritage.
During the Victorian era the modern Highland games, along with modern Highland dancing, formed. To make judging the skills of Highland dancers easier, the set amount of dances that could be performed for judgment were shrunk until only four remained until 1986. These dances included The Seann Triubhas, The Highland Fling, The Sword Dance, and The Reel of Tulloch. That does not mean there are not many other Highland dance routines and after 1986 many dances were added back into the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.
When performing Highland dancing, there is a specific attire worn. Men will wear a Balmoral, a traditional Scottish hat, as well as a doublet. Men also do wear kilts with matching tartan hose, though they can wear tartan trews (pants) when performing The Seann Truibhas, which is a dance created when kilts had been banned in Scotland and the dance is about how much Scottish men hated having their kilts taken away. Women Highland dancers wear tartan kilts, tartan hose, velvet jackets, and a white blouse underneath. Both genders wear highland dance shoes to perform the dances.
At Tartantown we have all of the clothes and accessories that you need for Highland dancing. Our kilts, kilties, jackets, vests, shoes, and more (even swords) will serve you well at any Highland dance competition. Browse our online store today.
Blackwood Flowing
Since the beginning of 2017, there has been concern over the restrictions placed on Melanoxylon Dalbergia (African
To explain, bagpipe makers are now required to apply for a permit for exportation and we (as a Canadian vendor) must apply for a permit if to the USA, for example. US customers will hear directly from Environment Canada once their permit is processed. Initially, there was some confusion over how all this work and the time/costs involved. Mainly there was bureaucratic uncertainty with the process and many concerns have now been eliminated or reduced greatly! The timeframe now seems very reasonable.
We at Tartantown have now received from all the top makers and shipments have come through nicely. See picture above of our very recent McCallum/Duncan MacRae shipment. Flowing well!
