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We have borrowed the following
section of text from CC Bagpipes; one of our North American Agents, as
it simply sums up what MacMurchie Bagpipes is all about and some of the
history behind it's being. Thanks for visiting our website.
Some History about MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers.
David (nicknamed 'Blue') MacMurchie was born in 1957
in Western Australia, a third generation piper. Grandfather (Archie)
emigrated from Dundee (Scotland) in 1924 and began teaching the young
David the art of wood turning and pipe making when he was 12 years old.
At the same time, Davids father, John Stuart MacMurchie (P/M 16th Btl.
Cameron Highlanders) taught him the art of playing the pipes.
At the age of 19, David left Australia to serve as a piper in the
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (of "Amazing Grace" fame). As a
young piper, his ambition was to be the first native born Australian to
achieve the Pipe Major Certificate at Edinburgh Castle. David attended
the Senior Pipers course in Edinburgh Castle (1977) and was recommended
for the Pipe Majors course from which he graduated in 1983 with a double
"A" pass ('A' for music writing, theory and history; and 'A'
for practical playing), having studied with some of the premier teachers
in Scotland. He was also awarded the Institute of Piping 'Senior
Teachers Certificate and the 'Graduate Certificate', thereby achieving
his long held goal.
Following his army career he returned to Australia to become the
instructor of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band (5 years) during
which time he received the Advanced and Instructors certificate from the
Australian Pipe Band College (1985).
He started his own business under the name "Scotsound
Australia" making bags, reeds, chamber and small pipes before
returning to Scotland in 1990 to set up his business which expanded to
become 'MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers of Edinburgh' in 1993. In Scotland
David also joined the Lothian and Borders Police (formerly the Edinburgh
City Police) pipe band for 4 years and then the Black Bottle Whisky pipe
band - both grade I bands. Over the years, David has competed as a
soloist, competed with grade I bands and judged piping competitions in
Scotland, Australia and Hong Kong.
MacMurchie Bagpipe makers is a two man (father-son) workshop which
produces made to order pipes in a small woodworking shop in Mid Lothian,
Scotland. Needless to say David and son John put a lot of care and fine
workmanship into thier pipes. The handsome drones produce a steady,
sweet sound, and their waxed chanter (their own design) ranks among the
finest available on the market today. The low gloss finish on the wood
shows off the grain to its best advantage and is not subject to the
chipping and crackling so often seen with other makes.
Being a small, family run operation, David is also eager to comply
with special requests from customers, and to 'customize' his pipes when
asked. Requests such as putting a hallmarked, engraved Silver sole on
the chanter; Imitation Horn rather than Imitation Ivory on the
mountings; various choices of bag (or no bag), covers, and cords,
installing universal valves in blowpipes etc. If it is possible to do,
David is eager to do it, he takes pride in meeting the needs and desires
of his clients.
David gives an honest estimate of time required for each order and
has always shipped ahead of schedule. This is the nature of the man who
makes these excellent pipes - a real professional with respect for the
traditions of piping, the craft of pipe making and the wishes of his
clients. (Text continues) etc. etc. Please take time to look around our website and find out more
about our products and services. If you would like further information
on any item included then please do not hesitate to contact us.
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| MacMurchie Bagpipe Makers Unit 47E, West End, West Calder, West Lothian, Scotland, Tel. (01506) 872333 Fax. (01506) 885220 After Hours Tel. (01506) 883939 E-mail : blue@macmurchiebagpipes.co.uk |