A family-run bagpipe manufacturer in Forres is blowing into international markets, with a set of pipes heading for New Zealand in time for Christmas.
The order is the furthest flung so far for Burgess Bagpipes, which drew on a rich piping heritage and a background in precision engineering to establish its operation in the Moray town earlier this year.
Set up by Burgess Hay, former owner of Forres-based Firscot Engineering, with his wife Fiona and son Scott, the firm is the only one in the Highlands to make all three types of Scottish bagpipes.
Mrs Hay’s late father was renowned Aberdeen-born champion piper John McDougall. Scott joined the firm after working with his father’s previous company and studying traditional music at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Mr Hay senior said: “We are a real family business, which has been a long time in the making – decades really.
“Its a bit of a change from what I used to do, but not as different as you might think.”
The company uses musical grade African blackwood sourced from a sawmill in Africa and titanium in the manufacture of its range of small pipes, border pipes and Highland pipes.
Ranging in price from £1,250-£1,500, each set takes around a month to make and the company has the capability to manufacture five sets at a time.
Burgess operates from a leased unit on Forres’ Greshop Industrial Estate, where in addition to the manufacturing operation they have a retail area where customers can try instruments before ordering.
Mr Hay added: “It was a bit slow getting started, because you need to build up a reputation and get instruments out there being played.
“Bagpipes are also a luxury items that you don’t just rush out and buy.
“But we are very pleased with the way it is going.”
The company’s online shop has attracted interest from 33 countries and the recent sale to New Zealand is the first result of a recently signed distribution deal covering the country and Australia.
The family aims to expand further into international markets and is targeting younger, modern bagpipe players in the UK and abroad.
Among fans of their products is professional musician Ali Hutton, of the Old Blind Dogs Treacherous Orchestra and Ross and Ali.
He said: “I totally get what these guys are trying to do – their instruments sound amazing and look great.”
Burgess’ growth potential has seen the firm taken on as a client by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
HIE account manager Keira Orme, said: “We are delighted to have them on board as an HIE client and look forward to helping them grow their business and achieve their export goals.”
Burgess plans to add new equipment at its Forres factory, where they also hope to employ and train more people as the company grows.
The firm also offers bagpipe servicing and repairs for local pipers and bands.
