Bagpipes Under Threat in London

[cessna152towser]

http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/bori...ipes-1-3754632
Not quite as alarming as the headline suggests. No plans to ban the bagpipes but there could be restrictions on where they could be played.

[Father Bill]

Not quite as alarming as the headline suggests.

Alarming enough; the article is correct in quoting those who see a "dismissive" attitude. Pipers are welcome on my front lawn any time when the sun is up!

[neloon]

Note that this is all very political but two moderators haven't noticed because it's not US politics!
Alan

[WillowEstate]

Note that this is all very political but two moderators haven't noticed because it's not US politics!
Alan

Not really sure I'd call it political, Alan but it is unfortunate that Boris only singled out the pipes as a piercing instrument - he could/should have included a few more examples if he was going to be specific, such as tin whistles, flutes and those catawauling eastern Europeans that used to infest the tubes!

To an extent, I think the location is quite significant, pipers, such as the one pictured in the article, playing on the bridges or open spaces, sound quite magnificent. Not so those choosing the tube stations or in close proximity to a number of buildings, where the echoes can sound a little discordant.

Absolutely no marks to Boris for diplomacy, though!

[neloon]

"Not really sure I'd call it political"
Have you read the comments?!!!
Alan

[Jock Scot]

I can't help but agree with Boris that a set of pipes played close to, can be rather trying. On the other hand, pipes played from a range of three hundred yards or so, is just fine for my ears. Hyde Park would be perfect! Military pipe bands, combined with wind instruments are fine at any range.

[John_Carrick]

Much as I like an occasional dose of the pipes, if some eejit was playing them outside my office window for a prolonged period I would probably become rather annoyed and would want some legal rights at my disposal.
These things are seen as political in the UK 10 days out from the general election, but I can't see that this bureaucratic measure by the London administration was intended to be an intervention in the campaign.
Brickbats are being flung in all directions in any case!

[WillowEstate]

"Not really sure I'd call it political"
Have you read the comments?!!!
Alan

Indeed I have and taken them into consideration, Alan but I based mine on the original article and not the secondhand opinions of others. I also recall, when I had the misfortune to have to visit London regularly, that previous mayors, of all persuasions, have almost universally attempted to reduce or eliminate buskers from public places in London.

Your assessment differs from mine and we are fortunate to live (or used to live, in my case) in a country where our democracy encourages such discourse.

[cessna152towser]

Have Father Bill and myself missed something?
I can't see this as political. The proposed new code of conduct for London is not an anti-Scottish initiative against the bagpipe, indeed the restriction would also apply to electric guitars and to drums of all nationalities and cultures.
True, further down the page the article does quote Alistair Campbell who is a political personality, but even then there doesn't seem to be anything political apart from a light hearted political dig at the other main party in the last paragraph of the quote.
The link posted was to the original article and I have not seen any comments which may have been added below it.

[neloon]

But it's the comments that matter! How about
"I wholeheartedly support the proposition that Boris Johnson might be the next Tory Prime Minister. His clowning glory might be Scotland going its own way because of his thoroughly rabid English diatribes. Stuff you, Boris and let's get on with the business of taking over our own country and running it for its own and sole advantage. Westminster no more! SW1 no more. London no more. HSBC no more. Any more for no more?" ?
Alan