Pipe bands play part in major events

Aug 6 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

FOUR West Lothian bands are set to show that they’re piping hot next week.

Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, Bo’ness Federation Pipe Band, Torphichen and Bathgate Pipe Band and Linlithgow and District Pipe Band will all perform at Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival and The World Pipe Band Championships from Monday (August 10).

The events will see over 16,000 pipers and performers join 50,000 visitors from 16 different countries descend on Glasgow for a week for what is regarded as one of the most prestigious pipe band contests in the world.

And as two of the most important events in the traditional music calendar, they showcase the vibrancy and diversity of the pipes by bringing together some of the world’s top international players to perform alongside Scotland’s finest homegrown talent.

Both events are also being supported by Homecoming Scotland 2009 as many pipers and visitors from as far afield as Canada, Pakistan and New Zealand prepare to return to Scotland for Piping Live! and ‘The Worlds’ during this special year of celebration to mark the birth of Robert Burns.

Glasgow has long been one of the world’s premier music destinations and this was recently confirmed with the city awarded UNESCO City of Music status.

Now in its sixth year, Piping Live! is a week-long festival packed with events taking place at venues across the city.

As well as free concerts there are displays in George Square daily - including a special Homecoming Scotland “Music of the Clans” presentation which is sure to be a highlight.

Piping Live will open with a bang with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, performing at the opening night concert along with Bodega.

Roddy McLeod, Director of Piping Live! said he is sure the performances will be a big success and he is delighted that bands from West Lothian will be playing their part.

He said: “Glasgow is a hub of musical talent almost all of the year and Piping Live! is a great opportunity to experience the best names in traditional music.

“The event will have everything from the pipes to fiddles to a bit of rock ‘n’ roll and dancing.

“I would encourage people from the county to come and enjoy a couple of days at both events and to take advantage of the free events in George Square daily which make a great day out during the summer holidays.”