The Scottish Smallpipes are bellows-blown with their drones issuing from a common stock. They were been played in Scotland since at least the 17th Century. However, in the 19th century the tradition of playing both the instrument and the music fell into disuse, until there were no players of the instrument left to pass on the tradition.

In 1981 a small group of enthusiasts were keen to revive the instrument and its music. They established the Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society (LBPS). In the early 1980’s there were only two known working sets of Lowland pipes in existence, plus a few sets in museums. Pipe-makers looked to Northumberland for help in making reeds and instruments in the early days of the revival. There are now a number of well-established professional makers producing pipes of the highest quality.

The playing style is similar to the Highland tradition, using the same fingering technique and open-ended chanter as Highland pipes. Today the playing of Smallpipes has become very popular and they are played by numerous pipers and in folk bands.

In 1990 Judy commissioned Hamish Moore (a highly respected pipe-maker based in Dunkeld who was part of the revival) to design a set of Scottish Smallpipes specifically to accompany herself singing. Judy’s pipes are made with Rosewood drones to produce a mellow timbre and a Hardwood chanter with a softer reed than pipers would normally use.

In 2008 Judy created a CD at the request of the LBPS called “Chanters Weave” which is a collection of songs and tunes, weaving the voices together, using counter melodies and harmonies to reflect the context of the songs.

Sally also plays flute on the tune tracks.