Who are Kilberry Bagpipes?

Kilberry Bagpipes Artisan Bagpipe Makers

We at Kilberry are a very proud team of two of 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.

Every set of bagpipes should be bespoke to the piper. That is why we offer comprehensive in-store and online services to ensure every musician receives a quality instrument that meets their needs and our high standards!

Please contact or visit us in-store to discuss your piping needs - our staff will be more than happy to share their intensive bagpipe knowledge to ensure a tailored experience just for you.

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 had the business until 2018 when Gordon Nicolson of Gordon Nicolson Kilt Makers saved Kilberry from disappearing; what a relief!!

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

Gordon has been fundamental to the business's survival and has kept handmade bagpipes in the heart of Edinburgh. Gordon has his own company that makes the highest standard of handmade kilts. Without Gordon's involvement, Kilberry would almost certainly have closed, ending traditional artisan bagpipe making in Scotland's capital city. We are partnered with Gordon Nicolson Kilt Makers and located right next door, so be sure to pay them a visit when you are next in! Click here to learn more about them!

Ruari (Apprentice Artisan Bagpipe Maker)

In 2019, Ruari Black was taken on as an Apprentice Bagpipe Maker straight from school. Ruari and Dave work alongside each other, learning valuable skills and information that has been in the bagpipe making world for hundreds of years! He is currently playing with St.Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band in Dublin and is playing the Kilberry Bagpipes "E" with Celtic Knot 2 engraving!

Ruari will also be available to answer your emails, manage social media, and ensure the website is up to date and functioning!

Not only will you see the Kilberry Team through the window of the shop, but you will also be able to find us on Facebook and Instagram, where we post lots of new and exciting content!

That's all for now; we will be sure to update the page if there are any more big announcements!

Who are Kilberry Bagpipes?

Cheers,

The Kilberry Boys