Passengers aboard the luxury Corinthian cruise ship were given a unique insight into Scotland's most famous instrument when Aberdeen-based Alba Bagpipes delivered a series of interactive presentations during the vessel's recent visit to Aberdeen Harbour.
The company, which provides professional piping entertainment and cultural experiences across Scotland, was invited on board to present "The Story of the Bagpipes" to guests. During two separate hour-long sessions, pipers Rikki Evans and Robert combined storytelling, demonstrations and live music to explore the history, culture and traditions of piping.
Passengers were taken on a journey through the world of the bagpipes, learning where the instrument originated, how it developed across different countries and cultures, its role in war, the creation of pipe bands, famous pipers and the place of bagpipes in modern television and popular culture. Guests also discovered how the instruments work, what is inside them and how people can learn to play for themselves.
A key part of the experience was the opportunity to see and hear different types of bagpipes from around the world. Some passengers were even given the chance to hold and blow into a fully functioning set of bagpipes, creating a hands-on experience that brought Scotland's musical heritage to life.
Established in 2010, Alba Bagpipes regularly delivers similar presentations for visitors, tour groups, community organisations and businesses. The company says the experience can also be brought into workplace and corporate settings, offering a fun and unusual option for team-building days, staff events, corporate hospitality, away days and workplace cultural experiences. Designed to help people learn, participate, have a few laughs and experience Scotland's musical heritage together, the presentations can be tailored for a wide range of audiences. Further information is available via the Alba Bagpipes website.
Rikki Evans, a Guinness World Record-holding piper and owner of Alba Bagpipes, said: "We were delighted to be invited aboard the Corinthian and share the fascinating story of the bagpipes with visitors from around the world. The presentations are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, allowing people to see, hear and even try the instruments for themselves while discovering the history behind them.
"Whether we are working with visitors, community groups or businesses, our aim is to create memorable experiences that bring people together and showcase an important part of Scotland's cultural heritage."