About Us

About Bagpipes Galore

Founded in the early 1990s in the heart of Edinburgh, Bagpipes Galore began with a simple vision: to make high-quality bagpipes and piping products more accessible, without compromising on craftsmanship, tradition or value.

Starting life at the foot of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the business quickly established a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable service and a fresh approach to bagpipe retail and manufacture. From the outset, we have supported pipers of all levels—from complete beginners buying their first practice chanter to experienced and professional players looking for dependable instruments, reeds and accessories.

Our Edinburgh Story

As the business grew, so did our ambition. In 2012, Bagpipes Galore moved to Haymarket, where we continued to develop our range and welcome customers from Scotland and around the world.

By 2017, we had outgrown those premises and moved to a larger shop on Nicolson Street following a successful merger with Varsity Music Shop. This marked another chapter in our history, allowing us to broaden our range and serve an even wider musical community.

In September 2026, we decided it was time to return to our roots in Haymarket. We are now based at 20 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5JZ, bringing Bagpipes Galore back to the part of the city we called home for many years.

Our Haymarket shop provides a home for our range of Highland bagpipes, smallpipes, practice pipes, practice chanters, bagpipe reeds, cases, accessories and piping supplies, as well as the expert advice and personal service that have always been at the heart of Bagpipes Galore.

Bagpipe Making, Innovation & Craftsmanship

A key part of our identity is that we don't simply sell bagpipes—we design, develop and manufacture many of our own products here in Scotland.

Over the years, we have developed products including our practice pipes, synthetic bagpipe reeds and other piping accessories, with a focus on improving playability, consistency, reliability and value for today's pipers.

Our roots in traditional Scottish bagpipe making run deep. Founder Ralph Hepburn trained under respected bagpipe maker Joe Haggan, whose own experience connects back to some of Scotland's historic bagpipe-making tradition. That combination of traditional knowledge and modern manufacturing continues to influence the instruments and products we make today.

A Bagpipe Shop for Beginners & Experienced Pipers

Today, Bagpipes Galore is proud to be a specialist bagpipe maker and retailer in Edinburgh, Scotland, supplying customers throughout the UK and around the world.

Whether you're looking for your first practice chanter, choosing your first set of Highland bagpipes, exploring Scottish smallpipes or practice pipes, searching for the right reeds and accessories, or refining your setup as an experienced piper, we're here to help.

Customers are welcome to visit us at:

Bagpipes Galore
20 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5JZ
Scotland

Or browse our full range of bagpipes, practice chanters, reeds and piping accessories online at bagpipe.co.uk.

Our Mission

Our mission remains the same as it was on day one:

To provide quality instruments, honest advice and a welcoming experience for every musician who walks through our doors or visits us online.