Current Highland Piper looking to play Uilleann Pipes

Good afternoon Chiff & Fipple community,

New member here and have been playing the Highland Pipes for many years now and am very interested in learning to play the Uilleann pipes. Quick background: I am from the states and have been playing the Highland Pipes since I was 10 (in my late 30’s now). I played with a local Kiltie band professionally for at least 10 of those years and am now interested in learning the Uilleann Pipes (well I should say that this has been a deep seeded interest just never got the motivation to branch out till now). I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as to where I may acquire a decent enough practice set that is budget friendly (this may be a tall order but always worth asking). I was also curious if anyone had any insight as to how the transition from Highland Pipes to Uilleann was for them as I know some of the technique is transferrable but is very much still like learning a whole new instrument. I did start by learning the tin whistle and have done pretty well with that and am now looking to further my journey and finally attempt to learn the Uilleann. I greatly appreciate any and all help/advice!

Might I suggest an alternative, intermediate, step? I play GHBs and Scottish small pipes. The smalls are an easy transition from the highland pipes and you can get ready to work the bellows side of piping. Same fingers, same tunes, same range, same ornaments… Once you get those down, transition to Uilleanns. The smallpipes are great - I am even allowed to play them in my home! Not so with the GHBs!!!