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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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bagpipes
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Although most famously associated with Scotland, bagpipes are an age-old instrument of folk music in many parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. The bag (originally an entire goat or sheep skin) is held under the arm; the piper blows into it, and then uses the pressure of his arm to squeeze air through the 'chanter' (on the fingerholes of which he plays the tune) and through the 'drones' (three in number in the Scottish version, tuned to provide an unchanging accompaniment).
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Originally used for festive occasions, and still an important element of *Burns Night, the pipes acquired another important role in Scottish military music, accompanied by drums to arouse the fervour of the infantry – along with *tartan they were for a while forbidden after *Culloden. The military use is now their most familiar role, a band of massed pipers in full *Highland dress providing a magnificent spectacle. The best-known example is the annual Military Tattoo at *Edinburgh Castle.
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