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Music Amuses Did you know that Scottish pipers were given a hazardous wartime job? Bagpipes have been at the world's battlefields leading many a brave Scottish soldier to fight. From the middle of the eighteenth century to early twentieth century it was the piper's duty to stand on the battlefield playing stirring tunes to rouse his comrades out of trenches and into battle. The effect of this on troops who were often cold, frightened and demoralized was miraculous. The great value of pipers in action is recognized by battalions but the pipers' duty made them easy targets, and they were often the first to fall. During World War I countless pipers fell, were wounded or taken prisoner. It is not difficult for us today to imagine the fear that these men must have faced as they picked up their pipes, knowing that of all their colleagues they were the easiest targets. Yet the pipers fought that fear and did what was expected of them. Throughout history the stirring sound of the Scottish bagpipe is synonymous with strength, courage and heroism for which Scots have been renowned throughout the world. Don't miss the stirring sounds of the Scottish highland bagpipes performed by Hong Kong’s Red Guard Pipe Band at the CCOHK's upcoming SCOTLAND THE BRAVE! concert! |