Bagpipes are played as traditional instruments in Anatolia, Poland, Persia, the mountains of central Italy, northwestern France, and Romania (and probably other areas that I don’t know about). The instrument dates to neolithic times and was once common all across Europe.
And I wouldn’t call the pipes shrill. I love a good pipe tune. If I were wealthy I would have my own personal piper.
Thanks for the info. I thought it was only the Scots and the Hibernerian Irish and Spanish types who made such a big deal about bagpipes.
As to their sound, glad you like it, though I am of Scots Irish ancestry I think I would have to be born in Scotland, where I guess they are accostomed to them from an early age on, for me to be so endeared.