Olympics Opening Ceremonies

**Mael Coluim** · 8th August 08, 08:14 PM

I'm watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, tonight and you can hear the sound of bagpipes in the background. I have not seen Scotland enter. I did spend an hour watching Warriors on the History Channel that had the segment on the Scottish Warriors at the Battle of Sterling Bridge.

So, if missed the Scottish athletes coming in, were any kilted?

**Rex_Tremende** · 8th August 08, 08:22 PM

I think they are represented at the Olympics as "Great Britain." I didn't see Scotland as a competing country.

Regards,
Rex.

**Phil** · 9th August 08, 01:51 AM

It seems even the BBC (known in Scotland as the "EBC" or English Broadcasting Corporation) were unaware that the Chinese had organised a pipe band to play at the opening, hence the lack of any comment. Scotland have not been allowed to be represented separately and have been prohibited from waving any national flags other than the "Butcher's apron". A sorry day indeed. The EBC tucked this piece away in the Scotland section of their website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...al/7549580.stm . At least they got to play "Scotland the Brave" a few times.

**Morris at Heathfield** · 9th August 08, 03:44 AM

No British athletes were kilted. I saw no visual evidence of the pipe band on NBC's recording of the opening ceremonies and, because the same music was looped several times throughout the Parade of Nations, I just assumed it was all pre-recorded. I'm pretty sure I heard "Scotland the Brave" four times total.

**Une** · 9th August 08, 04:07 AM

Originally Posted by Morris of Heathfield

No British athletes were kilted. I saw no visual evidence of the pipe band on NBC's recording of the opening ceremonies and, because the same music was looped several times throughout the Parade of Nations, I just assumed it was all pre-recorded. I'm pretty sure I heard "Scotland the Brave" four times total.

l did watch the opening, and yes their was a pipe band there they showed them a few times hear.

**robthehiker** · 9th August 08, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

I'm watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, tonight and you can hear the sound of bagpipes in the background. I have not seen Scotland enter. I did spend an hour watching Warriors on the History Channel that had the segment on the Scottish Warriors at the Battle of Sterling Bridge.

So, if missed the Scottish athletes coming in, were any kilted?

Thank God someone else heard it. I thought it might have been in my head!

I just caught the end of the ceremony and heard the pipes right away so I assumed that the UK contingent was next but they weren't. Hence my fear...

Pretty cool that they'd arbitrarily choose to play an intrument that symbolizes Scotland (yes there are Irish pipes too).

**Standard** · 9th August 08, 07:54 AM

I too was pleasantly surprised when we heard the pipes in the loop of music while the countries were parading in. Since the pipes have a very distinct musical style it seems to be a good choice in showcasing music from around the world, no chance with getting it confused with another instrument that's for sure. Nice touch I thought.

**Riverkilt** · 9th August 08, 08:36 AM

I didn't see any kilts. The parade did highlight how men of many nations do normally wear unbifurcated garments (yes mods, know this is close to the line) which was heartening. I waited out the Chinese alphabet for the UK, hopeful someone would be kilted - no joy. Waited for a shot of whom ever was playing the pipes. If they showed one I missed it.

I did like the jaunty waterbottle belt/holder the dancing girls in white all wore. Looked like it would go well slung over a kilt too.

And, just couldn't help wonder what a poor dancer would do - out in the middle of thousands of other dancers - if he/she suddenly needed the rest room....of course I'm old and it becomes a habitual thought...

Ron

**Drillagent** · 9th August 08, 09:13 AM

I also heard the pipe music. Scotland the Brave over and over and over and over and over...... It must have been looped over the PA system. Sounded like a "music of the world" montage because I heard the same music preceding the pipes every time. I didn't see anyone kilted either. Unfortunately. I started to feel sorry for the dancing girls. They were out there jumping and dancing for hours.