This episode of Codd’s World features three guests. Dan Lamont, Director of the Moab Celtic Festival: Scots on the Rocks, Dave Wardell, from Kilberry Bagpipes, and Maggie McGuire, Editor/ Publisher of the Moab Sun. This show took place during the Fall Radiothon for KZMU.

Dan Lamont was the first guest. He discussed the history of the Scots on the Rocks/ Moab Celtic Festival and what was lined up for the 2025 event. The festival is scheduled for October 17-19, 2025 at the City Ballfields on Center Street in Moab. Lamont noted that there would be a Tattoo of Bagpipe Bands attending the festival, athletic events, Clan tents, food and various clothing and souvenir booths. The Tattoo is an event where each bagpipe band marches on the field and plays a few songs for the gathered audience.

Lamont said this is the 9th year for the festival. He also noted that the festival has grown in recent years, and they hoped to continue the event in Moab for years to come.

In an interview recorded in July 2025, Dave Wardell from Kilberry Bagpipe makers from Edinburgh, Scotland, discussed the history of the bagpipes and how they are made. Dave was a master bagpipe player with national awards for his playing, who was now making bagpipes for one of the premier bagpipe makers in the United Kingdom.

Dave discussed the materials used in the construction of the instrument and how they have changed over the centuries. Most bagpipes today are made with rubber air bladders that produce the air that goes through the drones that create the unique sound of the pipes. Bagpipes can be traced back to the early 15th century in Scotland. It is believed that a type of bagpipe has been around for a few thousand years.

Mr. Wardell said it takes about two full days to complete a bagpipe. They cost around 1,000 pounds ($1,250 US) for a basic instrument and run well into thousands of dollars for fancier instruments with extensive decorations and more expensive materials. He also noted that the demand for bagpipes has grown significantly around the world over the past several decades. Interestingly, there is increased demand for bagpipes made with leather air bladders!

Since “Codd’s World!” was during Radiothon, Maggie McGuire, Owner and Publisher of the Moab Sun News, joined the show to talk about the importance of local public radio and local newspapers.