A geologist and bagpiper has penned a new book uncovering the fascinating history and stories behind some of Scotland’s most famous piping tunes.
Stuart Archer, who plays for the Ballater and District Pipe Band, has released his book The Tales Behind The Tunes of Glory as part of his efforts to make sure the piping heritage of communities all across Scotland are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The 47-year-old said he was inspired to put together the collection of stories behind 30 popular pieces of pipe music after he creating pamphlets for his band to help them understand the backgrounds of what they were playing.
From the Skye Boat Song to Bonnie Dundee, the book tells the stories behind all manner of songs from throughout Scotland and beyond, with a number of chapters focusing on military music created to remember battles and other conflicts throughout history.
Mr Archer said: “I started piping when I was 25.
“What I realised was pipers in the bands I was playing in never actually knew where the songs they were playing originated, so I thought it would be interested to try and tell them the origins and history of the tunes.
“So I put together some pamphlets which were well-received, and I made more and more until it made sense to collect it all as a book.”
One of Mr Archer’s favourite stories in the book is the origins of McPherson’s Rant, composed by James MacPherson while in jail awaiting a sentence of death. It was rewritten by Robert Burns as MacPherson’s Farewell.
As the story goes, MacPherson was due to be hanged in Banff, but received a pardon – but when the Laird of Braco heard of a lone rider racing to Banff with said pardon, he ordered the town clock be put forward 15 minutes to legally hang him just before MacPherson’s salvation arrived.
Mr Archer added: “It’s not a true history book as I’m not a historian, but it’s full of interesting information shown through the lens of piping.
“It’s important to keep telling these stories so they can be remembered and live on, or otherwise there’s a danger they could be forgotten.”
The book has been published by, and is available for purchase at, Deeside Books in Ballater.
