Who are Kilberry Bagpipes?

Kilberry Bagpipes Artisan Bagpipe Makers

Kilberry are the remaining artisan bagpipe makers who make every bagpipe completely, start to finish, by hand using the traditional methods of bagpipe making. Based on Edinburgh's historic mile, we take pride in being part of Scotland's rich history. Our bagpipes are crafted through many decades of expertise, learning and a passion for playing the beautiful instrument.

Kilberry bagpipes was established in 1990 by Neil Manderson and Dave Wardell. Neil and Dave have known each other since school and played together in the Craigmount High School Pipe Band in their younger years. Neil and Dave designed the early Kilberry design and model together, with some resemblance in the turning to MacPherson, where Dave completed his Apprenticeship in the 70s.

Dave (Artisan Bagpipe Maker)

Dave has been at Kilberry, turning the highest quality bagpipes from day one. His impeccable craftmanship has never faltered over the years. Dave left school at 16 and took up a bagpipe making apprenticeship at MacPherson of Edinburgh, where he did a five year apprenticeship. He competed in the solos and top grade 1 bands with great success.

The business changed hands to Douglas Murray when Neil left the company around 2014. Dougie is a double gold medal winner and is the previous pipe major of The Police Scotland Fife Pipe Band. When Dougie took over the business, he got his set of Kilberry Bagpipes and played them in the band, competing with Fife Police in grade one!

Dougie changed the look of the business along with developing the pipes and the pipe chanter with Dave to achieve an even higher standard! Dougie owned the business until 2018 when Gordon Nicolson of Gordon Nicolson Kilt Makers saved Kilberry from disappearing.

In 2019, Ruari Black was taken on as an Apprentice Bagpipe Maker straight from school and until 2025, Ruari and Dave worked alongside each other, sharing valuable skills and information to further develop methods of craftsmanship involved in making Kilberry bespoke bagpipes. During that time Ruari has successfully graduated from Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band to playing his own bespoke Kilberry bagpipes in St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. Ruari successfully completed his Apprenticeship in 2024.

Laura (Admin)

Laura is available to answer emails, ship orders and ensure our website is up to date.

Gordon Nicolson (Owner of Kilberry Bagpipes and Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers)

Gordon has been fundamental to the business's survival, keeping bagpipe making alive in the heart of Edinburgh. Without Gordon's support, Kilberry would almost certainly have closed, ending traditional artisan bagpipe making in Scotland's capital city. We are presently partnered with his own enterprise, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers which is dedicated to making the highest standard of handmade kilts. We can be found situated on St Marys Street, right next door to their Hire Store and home of their Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy, so be sure to stop by if you are in Edinburgh !