TartanCladPB,

I do not know where to start. first off congratulatos on considering starting on an adventure. I will lists below my suggestions:
1) Find a good instructor.
2) Once you find one, patience, patience, patience. Learning to play the pipes is a long term commitment. Plan to be on the practice chanter from 6 months to a year before picking up the pipes.
3) Don't rush things.It will all come in time. Practice, practice, practice.
4) Word of warning. If you do decide to do this, once you master the pc and move to the pipes, it is a huge leap. It will seem like you starting all over. So many things to think about. Blowing, squeezing, music, timing and what the hell is thing under my arm.
5) Congratulations you're now a piper.

My advice is not intended to discourage you but only to be honest. Of all the instruments that I have played over the years, the bagpipe has required the most time. After nearly forty years I would not change a thing, I love it.