North joins fight against Rugby World Cup bagpipes ban blow
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Scotland's rugby team have blown away giant killers Japan 45-10 despite party-pooper World Cup chiefs banning our secret weapon - the bagpipes.
And now a Highland politician has joined the swelling chorus of disapproval about our national instrument getting the heave-ho from matches.
Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, has sponsored an early day Commons motion which has so far been signed by 19 SNP MPs, Jonathan Edwards of Plaid Cymru and Jim Shannon of the Democratic Unionist Party.
And national betting shop chain Paddy Power has joined the clamour to bring back the bagpipes by declaring one of its shops in Gloucester, where the Scotland v Japan came was played, a Bagpipe Friendly Zone.
Mr Blackford is one of five sponsors of the motion, which was originally lodged by the SNP’s Hannah Bardell.
The motion states that: "This House condemns the banning of bagpipes from the Rugby World Cup; calls on World Rugby Union to allow bagpipes to be played at the World Cup; recognises that bagpipes are not dangerous; stresses the importance of cultural identity associated with bagpipes for Scots, in the UK and around the world; and acknowledges that bagpipes are often played in formal ceremonies."
Former Scotland rugby captain David Sole has backed the politicians claiming that the ban is "absolutely ridiculous."
Thousands of proud Scots descended on Gloucester for today's game, and a queue of tartan-bedecked fans was spotted outside the Southgate Street shop enjoying a bagpipe-blowout without the risk of facing the long arm of the law.
One happy fan said: "We were a wee bit disappointed when we heard about the ban as bagpipes were our secret weapon against Japan – we’re dead chuffed we’ve got somewhere else to play.”
Paddy Power said: "It’s no surprise the Scots got their kilts in a twist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s bloody noisy in the shop, but we're just happy to have done our bit.”
Bagpipes are not the only forbidden item at the games as World Cup. Organisers have also banned vuvuzelas, whistles, rattles, large flags and umbrellas.
