Kilberry « Island Bagpipe

Kilberry

Kilberry bagpipes was started in 1990 by Neil Manderson and Dave Wardell. Both guys had played pipes since a young age and in fact used to compete together in the same school pipe band. Both Neil and Dave were tutored by Callum McPhee – a very respected teacher of bagpipe music, from the ‘old school’.

As well as band playing, both lads competed regularly on the solo circuit, winning a variety of prizes. Dave went into actual bagpipe making when he was 16 and served his time with one of Scotland’s leading bagpipe manufacturers. It then seemed very logical for the two boys to get together and start Kilberry Bagpipes when the opportunity arose. Dave is Kilberry’s head bagpipe maker.

Over the years, both have continued to play pipes and until recently, were competing at the highest Grade One level. Work commitments has meant the competing side has had to currently take a back seat. Grade one bands that they have competed for include Shotts and Dykehead Polkemmet and Dysart and Dundonald.

During this extensive period, a combination of the continual playing, competing and setting up of the instrument, has led to the ‘Kilberry team’ having a vast amount of experience and knowledge as far as bagpipes are concerned. They are joined on the admin. side by Denise Bald, who processes orders and will also answer most of your email enquiries.

The business is located in Edinburgh and as well as making highland pipes, Kilberry also manufactures Scottish smallpipes and Chamber pipes. They also make learning kits with practice chanters and, recently, Neil and Dave wrote two of their own booklets – one relating to the maintenance of the pipes and the other, a very precise book with corresponding CD, designed to teach people to play.

Everything is done on the premises including some of the reed making and all bagpipes are fully assembled and thoroughly tested before leaving the workshop.

The ‘Kilberry boys’ are very proud of the instruments they produce and of their many completely satisfied customers over the years. They strive to produce the best bagpipes in the world – judge for yourself and listen to any of the sound samples on the web site.