Standard Sets

To identify the different models available they have been called after Scottish Hebridean Islands. This reflects Roddy Macleod’s association with the Western Isles through his parentage and also the influence on him of pipers, friends and family from these places.

Browse all standard models

RJM Bagpipes are covered by a two year warranty on all bagpipe parts (with proof of purchase).

RJM – The Lewis Model
Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE pictured at Fort George.

The “Lewis” is the premiere set. It is truly a magnificent set of pipes showcasing the best craftsmanship and metalwork on offer.
These are the top of the line RJM pipes, fully mounted with hand engraved Sterling silver.
The silver used is .925 Sterling silver for this model. Included are full silver mouthpiece and chanter sole – both made from a solid piece.
The projecting mounts are made from thick walled castings which are machined and then turned by hand to finish – they are not filled.
The weight of the Sterling silver on this set is approximately 1.35 kgs/2.98 lbs.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Engraved silver ferrules, tuning slides and ringcaps
Engraved silver mouth piece
Engraved silver projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
African Blackwood RJM solo chanter with engraved silver sole
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“The island of Lewis has had strong links with military piping. Perhaps the most noted piper from the island is Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE, regarded by many as piping’s greatest composer, a master player and teacher. He published 6 collections of light music and a collection of his own Piobaireachd compositions.

“My father’s father and mother were from Lewis – Laxay and Balallan. He was born in Glasgow but sent back to Lewis when he was 9 years old when WWII broke out. He lived with my Grandmother’s brother Calum and sister Kate in Balallan until the war was over. He then came back to Glasgow where he entered an engineering apprenticeship and thereafter joined the Merchant Navy. He loved piping and always pointed to Donald Macleod as the piper to try and emulate – an impossible task! The annual Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE Memorial Competition takes place in Stornoway annually where competitors are required to play his compositions showcasing the fantastic musical legacy he left for piping.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “Ceann Loch An Duin” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. Loch An Duin is in Lewis near to Carloway. The song is best heard by listening to my favourite group – The Lochies. Lochs being the area in Lewis where my father’s side of the family is from.

RJM – The Skye model
A MacCrimmon piper.

The “Skye” model comes in African Blackwood with hand engraved Sterling silver. The styling of this “half silver” set is in the style of Roddy MacLeod’s original R.G. Lawrie bagpipe. Everything about this set is top quality, and the hand-cut silverwork is superb.

All the hand engraved ferrules, slides, ring caps and mouthpiece tube, plus imitation ivory projecting mounts, make this set a bagpipe to cherish forever. We exclusively use .925 Sterling silver for this model. A choice of engraving styles is offered on this instrument.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Engraved sterling silver ferrules, slides and ringcaps
Imitation ivory projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
African Blackwood RJM solo chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

RJM Thistle style engraving in the style of Roddy MacLeod’s 1907 Lawrie bagpipe

“The most famous of all piping families were the MacCrimmons of Skye who over several generations were considered master pipers with a piping college situated in Boreraig in the Island of Skye. They were the hereditary pipers to the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan in Skye, from around 1600 until 1800. I have devoted many hours of my life to learning MacCrimmon composed tunes a number of which I have recorded for the downloads area of this website. My wife – Margaret’s family (on her mothers side) were from Digg, Staffin in Skye.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “MacLeod’s Oran Mor” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. A song of sadness at the emptiness of the once vibrant castle of MacLeod. The song was written by Ruaraidh MacGille Mhoir also known as an Clàrsach Dall (the Blind Harper).

RJM – The Harris model
Dr John N MacAskill, Berneray, Harris.

The “Harris” model features plain, hallmarked Sterling silver and comes standard with an RJM Blackwood solo pipe chanter with a silver band.

This model adds beaded sterling silver ring caps and silver mouthpiece tube.

We exclusively use .925 Sterling silver for this model. Even without engraving the quality shines in the silver mounts. No metal gives off or maintains a sheen like sterling silver, and these pipes are among the most attractive in the business.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Sterling silver ferrules, slides and ringcaps
Imitation ivory projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
African Blackwood RJM solo chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“Perhaps the most famed piper of Harris background was Dr John N. MacAskill. While John was brought up in a Gaelic speaking household in Glasgow his parents were from Berneray, Harris. John won the Gold Medal in 1972 playing “Lady Annapool’s Lament” after which he gave up competing to concentrate on his medical career. John was noted for his innovative compositions such as the reel “Lexy MacAskill” and jig “Alena MacAskill”. My father was a close friend of John’s older brother – Norman, and could recount how they looked after him as a child. John was proud to be a Glasgow Lewis and Harris Association piper, an honour which I shared with him and led us to pipe at many annual gatherings together. My wife’s cousins Angus MacLennan, John Maclennan, Donald Iain Maclennan and Finlay Maclennan were also association pipers and the family hails from Scalpay, Harris.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “The Beaches of Harris” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. This tune was composed by Dr John MacAskill in praise of the stunning beaches to be found in Harris in places such Luskentyre and Scarista.

RJM – The Uist model
Roddy MacDonald in Glasgow Police uniform.

The “Uist” is a stunning set which is mounted in full imitation ivory, with premium-quality Sterling Silver hand engraved tuning slides for which a choice of engraving styles is offered.


This fully-mounted imitation ivory set has a classic, traditional look, and the engraved slides provide an additional level of style and elegance.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Imitation ivory ferrules
Imitation ivory ring caps
Hand engraved Sterling Silver slides
Imitation ivory projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“The island of South Uist has long had a vibrant piping tradition with many great pipers coming from there. One of the most noted was Roddy MacDonald also known locally as ” Roddy Roidean”. Roddy was a top level soloist and won the Gold medals at Oban and Inverness. He was the brother of another very famous piper – Pipe Major John MacDonald of the Glasgow Police – another double Gold medallist. Roddy was regarded as a great teacher and passed on some of his knowledge of Piobaireachd to my own teacher – Duncan Johnstone. I always think of Roddy very fondly as when I was a teenager he noticed me playing without a Glengarry. Some weeks later I met him at a Highland Games where he produced a Glengarry as a gift for me.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound Sample – “A Mhoire Mhinn-Gheal” (Fair Mary) played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. This Hymn/ Air was composed by Roddy MacDonald’s daughter, Ishabel T. MacDonald. Ishabel also had a very famous 6/8 March composed after her composed by her uncle, John MacDonald.

RJM – The Barra model
Duncan Johnstone pictured with the Piping Times Knockout Trophy.

The “Barra” model is elegant in full imitation ivory, which requires no metal polishing.
This fully-mounted imitation ivory set has a classic, traditional look. It’s available in aged imitation ivory which provides the look of an older antique instrument.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Imitation ivory ferrules,ringcaps and projecting mounts
Accessories Include

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“The style of this bagpipe reminds me of the set played by my teacher, Duncan Johnstone of Barra. Duncan was widely regarded as one of the finest pipers of his generation and greatly admired for his Jig playing in particular. He was a very fine composer and published several books of his compositions and other traditional tunes he had collected and arranged. Duncan had a great humour and warmth as a teacher. He had the most amazing technique which I found almost mesmerising. His relaxed musical Hebridean style was something, I think, he and Donald MacLeod shared and which connected them. One of my proudest achievements during my role as Principal of The National Piping Centre was the establishment of the annual Duncan Johnstone Memorial Piping Competition.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample -“Father John Macmillan of Barra” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter.

RJM – The Benbecula model
Willie MacDonald, Benbecula is pictured 3rd from left in the back row.

The “Benbecula” is a beautiful model, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous metalwork.
The use of engraved nickel mounts allows for fantastic aesthetic details in a more affordable price range. A choice of engraving styles is available.


All of the engraving – ferrules, slides, ring caps, and chanter band – make for a striking instrument.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Hand engraved nickel ferrules, tuning slides and ringcaps
All nickel is pure nickel and not plated
Available with imitation ivory or Blackwood projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“My mother was born and brought up in Benbecula which is a small island between North Uist and South Uist. The people from these islands have a love of piping and many great pipers have come from these small communities. My mother went to the same school as Willie MacDonald of Benbecula and can remember him playing his chanter most days during school playtimes. Willie’s son Roddy MacDonald confirmed to me that it was my great grandmother (who could play the piano) that taught Willie to read music. Willie won many of piping’s top prizes including the Gold Medals and Senior Piobaireachd and Clasp events at Oban and Inverness. I remember my first recital invitation was in Stornoway to play a few sets at a recital given by Willie MacDonald which was the first time I heard him play his amazing 2/4 March composition – “PM Robert Rennie”.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “The Dark Island” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. This tune written by Iain MacLachlan is probably the best known melody associated with Benbecula. Iain was a very fine button key accordion player and lived in Creagorry, Benbecula.

RJM – The Scalpay model
John Macleod (left) in Strathclyde Police Pipe Band uniform pictured in 1993 with Sir Leslie Sharp, Chief Constable.
.

The “Scalpay” model has recently grown in popularity. Blackwood projecting mounts have been a clear trend, and naturally, we craft them very well.

The full black give a stunning appearance, only accented by the shine of nickel ferrules, ring caps, and tuning slides. This set is truly unique and impressive.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Nickel ferrules and ringcaps with options on plain or engraved nickel tuning slides.
All nickel is pure nickel and not plated
Blackwood projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“Scalpay is a small island located just 300 metres to the east of the main island of Harris. Since 1997 it has been linked by a bridge to Harris. There are several pipers with Scalpay connections not least my brother in law – John Roderick MacLeod and his first cousins Angus, John, Donald Iain and Finlay MacLennnan.

I first met John and his cousins in the late 70’s when I joined the Red Hackle pipe band. Prior to that time John was taught through the 214 Boys Brigade Company pipe band where his tutors were Dan Finlay, Gordon Medlow, Joe King and Alex Maciver. While in the Boys Brigade John won the Battalion solo piping competitions on two occasions.

John was to go on to become an officer in the Strathclyde Police and before too long was drafted into Pipe Major Iain Maclellan’s multi World Championship pipe band. In total John had two spells amounting to 12 years with the police band during which time he won several championships.

The Scalpay model with it’s African Blackwood projecting mounts reminds me of the R.G.Lawrie set that John played when I first met him.” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “The Bays of Harris” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. The islanders of Scalpay and Harris often use this lovely melody when singing Psalm 23 in Gaelic.

RJM – The Eriskay model
Peter MacInnes- left, with me at my wedding.

The “Eriskay” model shines of nickel, nicely balanced with imitation ivory projecting mounts.


Nickel slides, ferrules and ring caps, along with imitation ivory projecting mounts give this instrument a high-end, finished look.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Nickel ferrules, tuning slides and ringcaps
Imitation ivory projecting mount

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords

“Eriskay is a tiny little island nestled between South Uist and Barra. My piping connection to Eriskay comes through my lifelong friend Peter MacInnes whose father was from the island. Peter and I first met as young teenagers while attending the College of Piping in Glasgow. Around the same period of time we took extra lessons from Donald John MacInnes of Eriskay who was Peter’s relative and lived in the Mosspark area of Glasgow at that time. From time to time Peter and I would play at the Glasgow Uist and Barra Association ceilidhs when they were held in Mosspark. At the age of 16 we went to the Cowal Games together to compete in the junior solo competition at which Peter won the Lamont Shield for MSR playing and I won the Inverchapel Challenge Trophy for Piobaireachd – it was a memorable day. Peter became a top level piper winning many solo prizes and also went on to have a distinguished military career becoming Pipe Major of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards between 1989 and 1990. He is currently the piping instructor for Glasgow schools. My wife and I were honoured to have Peter pipe at our wedding. I have to say Peter is one of the most modest pipers of great talent I have ever met. ” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “Oran Eriskay” played by Roddy Macleod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter.

RJM – The Raasay model
An artists impression of Angus MacKay of Raasay.

The “Raasay” set has a simple, classic styling and craftsmanship.

This is a wonderful entry-level instrument with imitation ivory projecting mounts to provide a traditional appearance.  The wood and nickel contrast wonderfully, while the smaller amount of metal makes polishing faster.

Model Features
African Blackwood fully combed/beaded
Beaded nickel ferrules asnd ringcaps
All our nickel is pure nickel and not plated
Imitation ivory projecting mounts

Accessories Include:
Polypenco RJM pipe chanter
Choice of Canmore zipper or hide bag
Velvet or cord bag cover
Silk drone cords.

“Angus MacKay of Raasay (1812 -1859) has been one of piping’s most influential figures. His book “A Collection of Ancient Piobaireachd for Highland Bagpipe Music” was published in 1838 when Angus was only 26 years old, demonstrating what an outstanding scholar and talent he was from a very young age. This is a book which I often refer to when researching Piobaireachd settings. Angus was taught by his father John Mackay of Raasay who was a very fine piper and had received tuition from the MacCrimmons in Skye. Angus was the first to become piper to the sovereign – Queen Victoria, a position he held from 1843 until 1854.

In relation to Raasay, one of my favourite music tracks is Capercaillie’s version of the tune “Calum’s Road” which relates to the great story of Calum MacLeod who single handedly laid a road through Raasay over 3 winters from Torran to Fladda. Check out “The Blood is Strong” . ” – Roddy MacLeod

Sound sample – “MacLeod of Raasay’s Salute” played by Roddy MacLeod on the RJM bagpipe with RJM African blackwood solo chanter. The full tune recorded on the R.G. Lawrie bagpipe some years ago can be found in the Piobaireachd downloads area of this website.