he original instrument of the Gael was the clarsach, or Celtic harp. It was to accompaniment by the clarsach that the sennachies would recite their stories in the halls of the Chiefs. But the instrument that most people connect with Scots heritage is the bagpipes. While bellows driven pipes are traditional in northern England and the lowlands of Scotland, it is the great Highland pipes that are played when on parade, and which have a place in the history of the clans. To the clans these were also known as the great Highland war pipes, as they were played to incite warriors during battle.

   Clans and prominent families had their own pipers, usually a hereditary position for members of a specific family. Most notable were the MacCrimmons, hereditary pipers to the Macleods of Dunvegan.

   The Campbells were no different. An example was a family of Campbells who were hereditary pipers to the Campbells of Mochaster. The progenitor of this family of Campbells is said to have been sent to study with Patrick òg MacCrimmon himself.

   The music most closely associated with the Highland pipes is Pìobaireachd, or classical pipe music. Pìobaireachd is referred to as Cèol Mòr, or great music, while the pipe tunes with which more people are familiar are referred to as Cèol Beag, or little music.

   Laments, salutes and gatherings are most common in Pìobaireachd, all commemorating specific events.  Pìobaireachd does not follow a tempo, but is expressed by note duration and following developing themes. It is unlike any other music in existence.

   Clan Campbell has a wealth of music associated with the clan. What follows is but a short listing:

·         Cruinneachadh Sil Diarmid, or Cruinneachadh nan Caimbeulach, Clan Campbell’s Gathering. The gathering tune of the clan.

·         Failte Mharcuis Earragaidheal, The Marquis of Argyll's Salute. In honor of Archibald, eighth Earl and first Marquis of Argyll, head of the Covenanting party.

·          Cumha ‘Marcuis, The Marquis Lament

·          The Marquis of Lorne’s Salute, in honor of Ian Douglas Campbell, 11^th Duke of Argyll

·         Tigh Bhròinein, House of the Miserly One, a piper’s response to Campbell of Barbreck’s hospitality

·         The Glendaruel Highlanders, in honor of Campbell of Glendaruel, commander of the Argyllshire Volunteers. The tune was passed along to their successors the 8^th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders as their march past.

·         Bodaich nam Briogais, the Carles with the Brigis (Old men with the trews), or Breadalbane’s Salute. Written to commemorate a route and in disdain of the Sinclairs. The Breadalbane Campbells wore the kilt while the Sinclairs wore trews.

·         Argyle is my Name, Captain Campbell of Drumvuick’s quickstep, Captain Campbell’s March, Lady Elizabeth Campbell’s Reel, all may be found in David Glen’s Collection of pipe tunes.

·         C. Campbell of Cawdor’s Salute and L. MacNeill Campbell of Kintarbert’s Salute, found in Ceòl Mór.

·         Baile Inneraora, the Town of Inveraray. Most commonly known as The Campbells are Coming.