The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
The second programme in the series looks at the export of the Scottish tradition of piping across the world, including the indigenous piping cultures of Brittany and Ireland that have successfully adopted and adapted from the Scottish Tradition. The programme also looks the links with other more independent piping traditions in areas such as Galicia and Asturias in Spain.
The third programme in the series looks at the bellows blown piping traditions of Northumbria and Ireland. The programme also tells the story of the remarkable resurgence of the Scottish small pipes, rediscovered by musicians during the folk revival of the 1970s as an instrument to be blended alongside other musical instruments in the burgeoning folk band scene. A trend that has continued right up to the present day, supported by the skill of small pipe makers such as Hamish and Fin Moore.
The fourth programme in the series looks at the piping scene in Ireland. From the dominance of Irish pipebands such as Field Marshall Montgomery and St Lawerence O Toole, to the resurgence of the Uilleann pipes. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
The fifth programme in the series delves into the world of competitive piping with unique access to the prestigious Glenfiddich competition held annually at Blair Castle, Pitlochry. A gathering for the world's best exponents of Pìobaireachd (Great Music) and Ceol Beag (Little Music). Presented by piper Anna Murray.
The world of Pipebands. Whether it is one of the big international competitive bands or the local town Pipeband, they are colourful and strike up an emotive sound whenever they play. The programme visits 2010 World champions St Lawerence O Toole as they come together from many corners of Eire for a mid-week practice in Dublin. Inveraray and District Pipeband under the tutelage of Stuart Liddle prove that dedication and enthusiasm are vital for any band wanting to progress through the competitive ranks, while the young players of the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipeband show that the piping tradition is alive and well in the Southern Isles.
The last programme in the series looks at how the pipes are now being used alongside other instruments in bands leading to new, exciting and developing sounds. The trail blazed by Moving Hearts in Ireland and Scotland's Tannahill Weaver and continued today by a new generation of musical collaborations including Daimh, Breabach and Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson.