The History
The History of the pipes is steeped in legend and tradition. It is said that the MacCrimmons were so skilled with the pipes because they had with them a fairy chanter made of pure silver. Its name was Soumsair Airgiod na Mna Sithe - the silver chante of the fairy woman.

This chanter was given to Iain MacOg in a place called the pipers cave.
This cave - Uamh nan Piobairean - is where all the great MacCrimmons
retired to compose. When they wished to create an outstanding composition they made a vow that they would eat no food until the
piobaireachd was completed.

One night when MacCrimmon was fasting in his cave, there appeared the spirit of his ancestor. The spirit piperplayed him a wonderful tune.In the morning he found he could imperfectly remember the tune.The second night his ancestor appeared again and playedthe tune to him.This time the human listener received the tune more clearly and on the third night MacCrimmon could remember the tune perfectly. It should be noted that fasting was a common way to achieve an altered state of consciousness. The tune MacCrimmon had learnt he named MacCrimmon's sweetheart, perhaps recognising the source of his inspiration. There was no doubt that MacCrimmon's fasting and meditation had paid off.