Skip to main content
Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 16/06/2022

Bagpipes are synonymous with all things Scottish, and they are a defining feature of the country’s traditions and culture. People’s appreciation for the instrument and music, which is strongly associated with the Scottish Highlands, extends across the world. Scotland welcomes thousands of visitors each year to compete in world-class bagpipe competitions, attend exciting piping and traditional music festivals, or simply invites people to enjoy the enchanting drones along their travels across the country.

This year, we are delighted to see the continued return of piping events with an exciting line up of events for keen pipers and music lovers to enjoy across the country. These festivals join our exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events that strengthens Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events.

Supported by the International Events Programme, these piping events provide opportunities of social and economic benefit to local communities and serve as a reminder that the buzz is well and truly back for Scotland’s events industry.

As the home of bagpiping, there is no better place to experience piping than Scotland and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country and further afield to enjoy these fantastic international music events. They offer locals and visitors alike an opportunity to experience the very best of Scottish culture and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan for and enjoy these amazing events which will stir the emotions.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events

Piping at Inverness: European Pipe Band Championships

In-person event on 25 June in Inverness.

Returning to the Highland capital after two-years, Piping Inverness is set to take place this month with an exciting line-up planned. Pipers, Highland Dancers, and supporters will arrive at Bught Park for a day of music festivities and family-friendly activities.

Piping Inverness will also host the internationally acclaimed European Pipe Band Championships, which has attracted over 100 pipe bands from as far as Australia and America in previous years. This is the penultimate year of the European Pipe Band Championships at Inverness, so it is certainly not to be missed.

Tickets are available to purchase on the Piping Inverness website and the event is easily accessible by many modes of transport, making it the perfect location for attendees to enjoy a day of piping.

Visit Piping Inverness website for more information.

Piping Live!

Hybrid event from 6 August until 14 August in Glasgow.

Glasgow is set for an exciting summer of piping, kicking off with the week-long Piping Live! festival. Concerts and activities are set to be held across the city at a number of venues, with some of the bigger processions coming through the heart of Glasgow along Buchanan Street.

Events can be attended both in-person and online, allowing people near and far the opportunity to experience this unique bagpiping festival. Musicians taking part will perform a range of traditional Piobaireachd (classical piping from the Highlands) and contemporary music, offering insight to the wonderful variety of international piping.

Information on tickets will be available soon and will be available to purchase on the Piping Live! website.

Visit Piping Live! website for more information.

Celebrations at the 2019 Worlds
Celebrations at the 2019 Worlds
Image credit Glasgow Life

World Pipe Band Championships

In-person event from 12 August until 13 August in Glasgow.

Glasgow will once again opens its doors to the world for the World Pipe Band Championships. The pinnacle of competitive piping, Glasgow Green will be transformed into a hub for keen pipers and music lovers as it hosts some of the best bagpipe and drumming bands in the world over two days of competition.

Organised by Glasgow Life on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the Worlds, as they are affectionately known are an international celebration of Scottish culture and heritage.

Information on tickets will be available soon and the event will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer in August.

Visit the Worlds website for more information.

 

For more information about all upcoming events across Scotland, visit our Events page.

Related links