Pipes over pop: More pupils get chance to learn traditional instruments

Pipe bands are well established in many independent schools and they’re slowly growing in the state sector.

Johnstone High School in Renfrewshire is one example. Their young musicians will be going to Tartan Week in New York next year.

Tutor and Pipe Major Keith Bowes is optimistic about the future.

He said: “Generally speaking we’re in a safe position because when you get a young person and they start progressing with it they tend to stick with it for life.

“There’s lots of good tuition going on, it’s just a shame it’s not across the board. But there is lots of good programmes we just need more of them.

“We don’t want to miss out on young talented people that could be playing these instruments.”

He is hopeful that Scotland will do well as home-grown talent face up to stiff international competition at this year’s World Pipe Band Championships which take place in Glasgow from Friday 16 August.

There is also a lucrative aspect to taking up the pipes, as many of the teenagers who are learning have discovered.

There is money to be made at formal occasions, as well as busking.