Pipe Major Norwood BayBridge, FSA Scot
Clanpiper.Com
402-672-2081
Email: Clanpiper@yahoo.com
Pipe Major Norwood BayBridge, FSA Scot,
attends Formal Dinner and Reception Piping Appointments
with a Ceremonial Scottish Quaich made from the
Bronze Bell that was originally installed
in the steeple of the Tron Kirk
on Edinburgh's "Royal Mile" in 1673.

The following is taken from an entry in the book:
The Tron Kirk of Edinburgh or
Christ's Kirk at the Tron
A History
by the Reverend D. Butler, M.A.
Minister of the Tron Parish, Edinburgh
1906

"24th January 1673 ~ The Council approves of the agreement
with Bailie Drummond for a bell for the Tron Kirk Steeple
to cost 1490 merks 8s. Scots,
and appoints the Treasurer to receive the bell
and to make payment of the price thereof
to Bailie Drummond at Whitsunday next
and to cause the bell to be hung when convenient."

The Tron Kirk steeple caught fire and burned
on November 16th, 1824.
During this fire, the bronze bell partially melted
in the heat of the conflagration
before falling to the ground
with the charred remains of the steeple.

A small number of Ceremonial Quaichs
were cast from the bronze fragments of this historic
Tron Kirk Bell.

One of these few remaining quaichs extant
was purchased as a cooperative endeavor
by a number of Highland piping students
and presented to Pipe Major BayBridge as a gift.

The Quaich
(pronounced "quake", from the Gaelic word "cuach")
is a uniquely "Scottish" invention,
without influence from any other European tableware.

This traditional Scottish drinking vessel was used
to offer a guest a cup of welcome; and,
also to serve a farewell drink, usually a dram of whisky.
Travellers in the Highlands were known to
always carry a quaich with them.

In traditions carried over into modern times,
a quaich is also regularly used to offer the piper a
"wee dram" following the "piping in" of guests seated at
the Head Table during formal receptions and dinners.

This is still a popular historical custom
Pipe Major BayBridge follows rigorously;
to the delight of all celebrating participants.
Offer your family, friends and associates
the most memorable and historic Scottish experience.

And, perhaps take a "wee dram" on your special occasion
from this fabulously rare, historic quaich yourself.

It's an easy call:
Right:
The Tron Kirk, Edinburgh, Scotland, with it's original
steeple; as it appeared following the completion of
it's construction in 1663. The bronze bell for the
steeple was installed in 1673.
Pipe Major BayBridge's "Tron Kirk" Quaich
The
Tron Kirk,
with it's
rebuilt
steeple
following
the fire of
1824.
The Tron Kirk
is still an historic landmark
in Edinburgh today.
A unique Scottish silver
"half merk" dated 1673;
which Pipe Major BayBridge
carries in his sporran during
special piping appointments.

This is one of the original
and exceedingly rare
types of coins used to pay for the
bronze bell in the Tron Kirk in 1673;
which then cost 1490 merks, 8 shillings.