Yes it's so strange how some makes of pipes are well-known in certain regions, while other makes (equally good) might be obscure.

Seems that Wallace pipes are well-known and popular in Scotland but around here nobody plays them.

We see a lot of McCallums and Gibsons in the hands of new pipers here, plus New Hendersons.

We do have some interesting new pipes around, for example four or five recent sets of Cushings, a magnificent full silver set of MacLellans, and a couple sets of Athertons.

Of our up-and-coming top local solo competitors one plays Gibsons and one plays Cushings.

I've been playing a lovely full-engraved-aluminum set of African Blackwood Dunbars for five or six years now. Everyone who sees and hears them is impressed but nobody knows the maker- they think Dunbar only makes poly pipes!

And I had a set of Doug MacPherson pipes for a time, which are unheard of around here.

About the roohide bag, I tied it in but it was the wrong size and shape for me. I'd like to find a roodhide bag in a suitable size/shape for me.

About Bannatyne bags, I had one, the type that's a synthetic bag fused onto a leather bag. I'm a very "wet blower" and that bag held in too much moisture for me. The best bag I think I've played was a Gannaway, but it fell apart after a couple years of playing.

I'm having a lot of fun playing my "new" c1900 Lawries.