THE SKIRL OF THE PIPES ARE ALIVE AND WELL

If you visit Orkney this summer, you may well be in for a barn-storming, magical, musical street experience. The skirl of bagpipes, the rasp of the snare drum, the beating heart of the tenor drums and the steady bass drum — the distinctive sound of a pipe band has the power to mesmerise and enthral.

Orkney is very proud of its pipe bands, their heritage and history, and the joy that they bring to the islands’ inhabitants young and old.

There are three pipe bands — Kirkwall City, Stromness Royal British Legion, and Rendall — and each one brings the joy of traditional Scottish music to a range of community events across the islands.

One of the bands’ biggest events sees the community come from far and wide, lining the main street in Kirkwall to witness its transformation from busy thoroughfare to a cacophony of noise, chanters and harmony.

Each summer, Kirkwall City Pipe Band hosts a series of parades in the town’s main shopping area, Broad Street, and they are not to be missed.

Now in its 105th year, the Kirkwall band is a thriving and sociable organisation of around 70 pipers and drummers, including both learners established players, with members ranging from their teens to their 70s.

Hundreds of people, captivated by the spectacle of the band parading up and down the street in perfect musical unison and harmony, turn out to listen as the air is filled with the enchanting drone of the Highland pipes.

As well as the parades and other events throughout the year, the band also serenades visiting cruise liners as they depart Kirkwall.

Stromness’ band may be younger than their neighbours but this vibrant and closeknit group have certainly made their mark, not only bringing their talent to high-profile events, galas and shows at home, but also playing internationally, notably in Canada.

You can find Stromness’ pipe band at a range of events, the Orkney Folk Festival and Stromness Shopping Week to name but a few, as well as occasionally filling the charming Stromness street with their tunes.

Each band has a presence on Facebook, as well as websites where you can learn more and check their diaries — they could be playing at an event near you!