The Bagpipe Musical Enlightenment

Ever find yourself completely swept away by a bagpipe tune? Like it hits something deep in your chest you can’t quite explain?

There’s a fascinating reason behind that emotional pull. To understand it, we need to look beyond the pipes themselves and dig into the history and culture that helped shape them – starting with a surprising twist: books.

It All Starts with Reading

Believe it or not, one of the most important ingredients in Scotland’s piping legacy is... literacy. Back in the 1500s, during the Scottish Reformation, reformers like John Knox wanted everyone to be able to read the Bible. So, they pushed hard for universal education.

The unexpected result? Scotland became one of the most literate countries in the world for a while. And that literacy didn’t just stay in churches or schools – it sparked curiosity, creativity, and a hunger for self-expression. This was the beginning of the Scottish Enlightenment, a time that gave the world big thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith, and writers like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. People were writing, debating, inventing – and, yes, making music.

Meet John McLellan of Dunoon

Fast forward to 1875. That’s when John McLellan was born in the seaside town of Dunoon. He didn’t come from wealth or fame, but he had something even better: access to education and a vibrant musical culture. He could read music – still a big deal at the time – and played multiple instruments, including the pipes, piano, fiddle, and penny whistle.

McLellan’s tunes weren’t just good – they were unforgettable. Pieces like Dream Valley, Lochanside, South Hall, and The Cowal Gathering are still favourites that are played today, 150 years later. What made them so powerful? He had a strong grasp of chords, musical phrasing, and emotion, likely influenced by both his musical upbringing and the rich culture around him.

Pipes, Printing Presses and Public Performances

The late 1800s were a perfect storm for piping. Thanks to improvements in printing technology, tune books became more accessible than ever. Military pipe bands were becoming more organized, and the role of the pipe major was growing into a skilled, professional position. That meant there was a real need for new, high-quality music – and McLellan was ready.

At the same time, Scotland was changing. Cities were growing, communities were blending, and pipers were being exposed to more than just traditional Highland tunes. Church music, popular songs, and even classical influences started finding their way into the mix. It was an era of creative cross-pollination.

Why These Tunes Still Speak to Us

It’s easy to assume that old tunes stick around just because they’ve been passed down forever. But McLellan’s work – and that of other legends like Willie Ross and Peter McLeod Sr – wasn’t just the product of tradition. It was the result of a unique cultural moment: a literate society with access to music, a deep appreciation for heritage, and the freedom to experiment.

And the tunes weren’t just well-crafted – they were emotional. Titles like Dream Valley and Lochanside evoke places, feelings, and memories. They make us feel connected, even if we’ve never set foot in those spots ourselves.

A Living Tradition

Today, McLellan’s music is still everywhere – in competitions, parades, concerts, and kitchens. His legacy is more than a list of tunes; it’s a reminder of how history, education, and creativity can come together to create something lasting.

So next time you hear a classic pipe tune and feel that tug in your gut, know this: it’s not just good music. It’s the echo of a culture that learned to read, to question, to imagine... and to play.

Check out this episode of Dojo Conversations as we talk through what made McLellan's legacy so very special.