Turning up the sound of Scotland

The biggest free bagpipe loan scheme in the world is being set up by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust. The instruments are being loaned out for up to three years at a time to help boost the number of youngsters taking up Scotland’s national instrument. Already over 160 sets costing about £700 each are being played by pupils in schools from Orkney to the Borders – eventually 500 bagpipes will be available for loan at a total cost of over £350,000. Schools and councils can apply through the SSPDT website. See