Bowes Bags Ltd was launched in 2005 by Keith Bowes. Keith is a Sheepskin pipe bag maker having initially learned to tie-in pipe bags at the Guards Depot Piping School in Pirbright while serving with the Scots Guards. On leaving the army, Keith spent 10 years researching and developing the skills required to construct Sheepskin pipe bags. These skills are rare and which few individuals possess nowadays.

It was while piping with David Urquhart Travel Pipes & Drums that his interest in bag making was rekindled. Keith mentioned to Pipe Major Chris Armstrong that he had made bags on a small scale in the past. Chris encouraged Keith to look out his bag making equipment and resume production of Sheepskin bags.

Keith grasped the challenge with both hands and immediately set about researching and identifying a suitable source for supplying and tanning Sheepskins to the highest possible standards required for production in Bowes Bags.

Since production began, Bowes Bags Ltd has quickly cultivated a catalogue of satisfied customers locally and further a field and continues to actively test the product with prospective customers around the world. The growth of the business has been so rapid that full time mass  production of Bowes Bags began in the summer of 2005.

We have found that it suits our customers needs to drop off or send their stocks to us to enable us to complete the tying in process to the Sheepskin bag. The finished product is then returned to the customer, complete with seasoning, valves and corks if required. Bowes Bags Ltd is more than happy to help.

While Bowes Bags specialises in the manufacture of Sheepskin pipe bags, we also make pipe bags from Goat skin and Cow hide. While Sheepskin is the choice of most serious pipers, Goat skin and Cow hide require less maintenance and are more suited for pipers who perform in higher climates or have less time to devote to playing.

Bowes Bags can be purchased direct from our Online Shop or through a number of retail outlets. Please contact us for further information about our products and services and also where you can find an authorised Bowes Bags retailer.