Lochaber Schools Pipe Band

	The Lochaber Pipes welcome visitors to Fort William

My wife spotted a poster advertising a free concert in Cameron Square by the Lochaber Schools Pipe Band the evening that we were in Fort William. Coating ourselves thickly with midge repellant (attractant would be a more accurate description) we duly presented ourselves in the square at the appointed time, but it was a good quarter of an hour later that a sound of distant droning heralded the approach of the band.

I have to give the young people full marks for their excellent marching and their pipes mistress (who signals the start and end of each piece) seemed happy with the standard of their piping. I never did discover the purpose of the attractive damsels carrying drums, other than decoration. Even when standing right behind one of them I couldn't hear any drum beats but they certainly could twirl their sticks. Even the girl with the big bass drum appeared more decorative than useful - unless, of course, I was simply deafened by the awful skirling of the pipes at close range!

Still, I heartily congratulate all involved for their hard work, their attractive appearance (neatly kilted and sporraned), their skill with drums or pipes and their public spirit in putting on the summer concerts to entertain visitors to their lovely little town. Sincere thanks to the schools, the pipe mistress, the parents and above all, the young people.