PIPE MAJOR Scott Taylor and his team are running workshops on the bagpipes and Highland drumming in Dundee this week as part of the Pipers’ Trail—a musical and theatrical spectacle touring the country to celebrate the army in Scotland’s links with communities.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone to come and learn about pipes and drums, and have a go, and it beats watching TV during the holidays,” said Scott, who takes over as Pipe Major of The Black Watch (3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland) at the end of the Pipers’ Trail.

The workshops began at St John’s RC Secondary School on Harefield Road yesterday and run until tomorrow.

They culminate in a parade of pipes and drums through Dundee city centre staring at 2.15pm on Saturday, followed by a theatrical performance outside the Caird Hall.

Dundee is the latest stop on the Pipers’ Trail—a six-week musical and theatrical tour 470 miles throughout Scotland, ending with a two-week run at the Edinburgh Festival.

The Pipers’ Trail is a celebration of bagpipe music, Highland drumming and the historic connections through which the army in Scotland is involved with the nation’s culture.

It is designed to re-invigorate the army’s links with communities and show that, despite the pressures of operations, the army’s traditionally high standards and values remain intact.

The Pipers’ Trail is the brainchild of Scotland’s top soldier, Brigadier David Allfrey, who commands 51 (Scottish) Brigade.

“The Pipers’ Trail is a chance for us to reach out and have a series of terrific parties across Scotland celebrating our rich cultural tapestry.

“But it’s also a chance for us to show that, despite the operational pressures of recent times, the army still seeks to encourage the kind of values that made people think it a fine and honourable thing to be a Scottish soldier,” Brigadier Allfrey said.