ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD – VISITOR GUIDANCE No.72

BAGPIPE EXPOSURE GUIDANCE - Visitors to Scotland are advised that unscheduled bagpipe activity may occur without warning in city centres, village squares, car parks, weddings, funerals, Highland games and occasionally directly outside the window of your accommodation at 8.15am. While most encounters are harmless, first-time visitors can find close-range piping unexpectedly powerful. The Scotland Tourist Board therefore recommends the following precautions. RECOMMENDED SAFE DISTANCE For a single stationary piper, visitors should maintain a distance of approximately 12–15 metres. At this range, the pipes can be enjoyed at their natural volume while allowing sufficient time to reconsider your decision to move closer. Distances of less than 5 metres should only be attempted by experienced Scots, wedding guests, or people who have already suffered some degree of hearing loss. If the piper is indoors, standard distances no longer apply. Leave the building immediately. IF YOU ENCOUNTER A PIPER UNEXPECTEDLY Remain calm. Do not make sudden movements. Whatever you do, DO NOT shout: “PLAY SCOTLAND THE BRAVE!” There is a reasonable chance that was already the plan. Maintain eye contact only briefly. Prolonged eye contact may be interpreted as a request for another tune. If possible, move slowly towards a café, gift shop or other solid structure. DO NOT RUN Running is strongly discouraged. A piper who sees someone moving quickly away may assume they are part of a procession. This can result in the piper following. Once this happens, other tourists may join in, believing it to be an organised cultural event. The situation can deteriorate rapidly. MULTIPLE PIPERS If you encounter two or more pipers, you may be in the vicinity of a wedding, military event or pipe band. Do not attempt to count them. By the time you have finished, many more may have arrived. For groups exceeding eight pipers, visitors should secure loose clothing, small children and takeaway coffee lids. INDOOR EXPOSURE Bagpipes were originally developed for outdoor use over considerable distances. This remains important information. If somebody begins playing bagpipes inside a pub, hotel or function room, visitors are advised to finish their drink promptly. Do not wait for the second tune. There will be one. PHOTOGRAPHY Visitors are welcome to photograph pipers. However, standing directly in front of one for an extended period while attempting to get “the perfect shot” is not recommended. The instrument contains several pipes, a bag full of air and a Scot who has been practising since childhood. You are not going to win. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Are bagpipes loud? Yes. How loud? Yes. Can they be turned down? No. Do pipers take requests? Sometimes. Think very carefully about whether you want to discover this. What happens if I hear bagpipes in the distance? Nothing. They will become louder shortly. FINAL ADVICE Bagpipes are an important part of Scottish culture and visitors are encouraged to enjoy them responsibly. Keep a sensible distance. Respect the piper. Do not panic. And remember: If you can still hear them after turning two streets away... they’re probably just getting warmed up. — Isle of Skye Tourist Board "Helping visitors experience Scotland at a safe and culturally appropriate volume."