And finally… pipe down

Scotland’s Highland Council has dropped plans to require prior authorisation for bagpipes at funerals after an outcry from pipers.

The measure was included in draft burial and crematorium management rules put out to a public consultation but has now been abandoned, The Times reports.

Dingwall councillor Margaret Paterson said: “It went all over Scotland that we were talking about stopping the pipes and common sense has now prevailed.

“We could never forbid our wonderful pipes and the comfort they give to so many people.”

Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson added: “The playing of bagpipes is a fundamental part of our Highland culture and I’m glad that common sense has prevailed and our Highland traditions for bagpipe music at funerals can be fully retained.”

Share icon
Share this article: