Town pipers had a crucial role in signaling the start and end of the day. They would circumnavigate the town in the morning and evening, playing tunes. These musical rounds were essential for timekeeping and setting the daily rhythm.
Initially, pipers were paid in food or meal (Scots word for meal is ‘maill’). It is thought that the term ‘blackmail’ (meaning extorted rent or money) originated from this practice.
John Layng
There’s nothing like the skirl o’ the pipes at 4:00am!
![1634-11-20, [R1.1_p91]](https://peebleshistoricalarchive.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1634-11-20-R1.1_p91-1.jpg "The Burgh of Peebles, Gleanings from its Records 1604-1652")
Perks for the town piper included ONE (and only one) pair of shoes and this courtesy was also extended to his drummer, albeit a significantly cheaper pair:
![1635-08-00, [R1.1_p151]](https://peebleshistoricalarchive.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1635-08-00-R1.1_p151.jpg "The Burgh of Peebles, Gleanings from its Records 1604-1652")
One way to make those free shoes last longer:
![1646-05-18, [R1.1_p190]](https://peebleshistoricalarchive.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1646-05-18-R1.1_p190.jpg "The Burgh of Peebles, Gleanings from its Records 1604-1652")
Alexander Laidlay
![1674-10-12, [S3.1_p90]](https://peebleshistoricalarchive.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1674-10-12-S3.1_p90.jpg "Extracts from the records of the burgh of Peebles 1652-1714")
No, Alexander Laidlay didn’t make off with an actual bear (not least because they were extinct in Scotland by this time) but he did acquire a significant haul of hardy but inferior quality barley. Nevertheless, he and his family were still banished from the town, ‘under the paine of deid’ should they ever dare to return. 😮
James Ritchie
Cocked Hat
