Bagpipe Ribbon

Bagpipe drone ribbons are decorative fabric strips attached to or secured around the drones of Scottish bagpipes.

Drone ribbons serve a decorative purpose within the overall uniform, often matching a specific clan tartan, a solid color (such as black for funerals), or national flag colors.

• History: While the traditional drone cord (made of wool or silk)—used to hold and stabilize the pipe configuration—dates back centuries, pictorial evidence suggests that decorative tartan or solid-colored drone ribbons emerged around the mid-19th century (approximately 1840–1860).

• Dimensions: They typically measure about 72 inches (approx. 182 cm) in length and approximately 3 inches in width.

• Attachment: Secured near the bass and tenor drones using Velcro, snaps, or string ties.