Just off Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, that sweeps down from the city's imposing castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is a faded storefront sign for artisan bagpipe maker Kilberry Bagpipes. Ruari Black, one of only a few remaining craftsmen in Edinburgh who knows how to make the instrument by hand, says that keeping them handmade means a lot to him as it gives its own character in terms of looks and feel, and is proud to be carrying on a long-lasting tradition, "It’s the way it’s always been done, it just feels right to be making these instruments by hand," he says. The Highland bagpipe is an integral part of Scottish culture and history, famous for its distinctive, powerful sound that even accompanied troops as they landed in northern France on D-Day. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES - SELF AUTHORED