Hi- I'm a piper here in the USA and I cannot imagine that this is for real! I mean, it really boggles the mind that a bunch of bureaucrats in Brussels have that much say over such picayune things in other countries. Nanny state! Yecch! How about CAUTION warnings on the pipes themselves! Good grief!

Joel, Winthrop, USA

On 23rd April, there was discussion on the break up of the Union, a SNP MP was asked various questions, one was about the English wanting their own parliament too, he stated openly on TV, it doesn't matter because ALL our laws rules/regs are issued from Brussels. The EU is very bad for us all.

sarah, London, England

Screw the fascists lets go louder !!! FREEEDDDDDDOOOMMM!!!

bob, Edinburgh,

I would suggest the Times to display the EU directive's reference next time so that we can confirm it sources. EU directives are not law until they are adapted and turned into law by Member-Nations. I highly doubt that EU would specifically target bag-pipes (or any other instrument/tool). It is our job (in each member-nation parliament/government) to adapt the directive in the best way possible. It seems to me that this is yet another nanny-state-inspired rule created randomly by Health and Safety Executive.

mario, London,

Every day there's more idiocy in the news. This one was described to me as "The EU raping Scotland" and that to me is an accurate analogy. I always thought joining the EU would be a bad thing and I was right, like so many others. The EU are eating away at our culture and traditions like a parasite. It's high time this was stopped. I sincerely hope the Scots are true to hundreds of years of form and hike their kilts to the EU in defiance. People of Scotland, there is nothing more beautiful than the sound of your pipers playing. DO NOT allow these foreigners to interfere.

Brussells... stick your big nose into your own concerns and keep it there and stop trying to rape our culture and traditions.

Mr Brown, you are Scottish, you should be deeply ashamed at yourself for permitting this.

Rock concerts regularly perform at between 120 and 130 dB, I don't see them being outlawed.

Bugger off EU! Just BUGGER OFF!

Colin Nunn, newcastle upon tyne, England

Welcome to the gradual descent into slavery. What comes next? Musical instrument will have to be muted? Art will have to meet the demands of EU dictators. Literature cannot offend the reader? At what point will your betters in Brussels take all that defines you as a country?
I have to admit that you voted for it so you deserve it. Sound familiar?

Dennis, Spring Hill, USA

Rather than bash the EU we should understand that this legislation has been enacted at the behest of the Health & Safety Executive. They are the real villains and it is the HSE we should ban!

Ian Simpkins, Offley Hay, Staffs

given that Scots are a quiet lot, this is welcome loud surprise.
Up utill now, I thought the loudest thing in the Highlands was the Kinloss Air force base.
And they are loud! P.S. are they really out scouting for lost fishing Vessels? What do they do since the Soviet Union went under?

Wolfe, SARASOTA, fl

If it’s true that “You can’t play the pipe quietly; they haven’t got a volume switch.” then pipers might just be able to continue doing what they normally do if they can raise this concern with the HSE from within the context of the "four red lines" our former P.M sorted during the EU Treaty affair. Supported via our wonderful, largely unwritten UK constitution one would hope that this ancient, traditional and culturally valuable practice could continue -To this end pipers and other musicians might be able to conduct some important research which accounts for any evidence of harm resulting from normal ways of practicing, providing of course that all those concerned are fully informed of any risks involved. The HSE may be more than happy to stick this in its evidence base in support of helping citizens reduce unnecessary or inappropriate regulatory burdens.

Mrs.Josephine Hyde-Hartley, Bacup, UK

Uh.... what about football (soccer) games & the after game hooliganism? Esp. during World Cup play? I think that gets a little loud as well. Is Brussels going to stopper the fans & teams for that?

KAS, Bloomington, IN, USA

Another asinine edict from those who think all people should be protected from all things. When will the act of being human be outlawed?

Jerry S, Evansville, Indiana, USA

Well, what do you expect from a bunch of unelected civil servants who have absolutely no idea of the culture of other countries. Firstly, banning selling goods in pounds and ounces. Then restrictions on the use of the bagpipes. What next? Ban electric guitars or pop music or even Wagner's Ring Cycle because it's too noisy when played properly. Why Britain ever joined the EU escapes me so I escaped to Australia where you can play the pipes without hinderance and where all cultures are celebrated. It's time the EU civil servants grew up.

Ben, CHATSWOOD, New South Wales

Please, no more interference from Brussels. I am not Scottish , nor do I have any particuler connection with Scotland, but it's about time beauracrats stopped interferring with our traditions. I can't recall there being a major out break of deafness caused by over indulgence with the bagpipes. This unique sound is a core Scottish tradition evoking strong feelings for all sorts of reasons, from rousing the troops in battle, to sentiment. Can you honestly believe the Italians would stop their traditional bare back street horse races for health and safety reasons, or the Pamplona bull run in Spain? I think not! And yet we will meekly do as we are told until all things of pleasure are removed from our lives for our own good. It's about time we said no and sent the gravy train back to Brussels, after all, we joined an economic union not some over blown unelected panel of 'do gooders'.

Martin Rasdall, Derby, UK

I myself think this is Racism pure and simple,

First it was the kilt that they wanted it called a skirt, then licensing of the sporran, now the bagpipes!!

This is a pure attack on us Scottish and our heritage!!!

Leave us alone!!!!!!!

Lex, Glasgow,

Yet more absurd drivel from Brussels. Have they nothing better to do?

The sooner we are rid of these beef-witted cronies the better.

Eugene Fraxby, Scunthorpe,

How utterly ludicrous, you'd think it was April 1st. I voted "No" when we had the referendum to join the Common Market (as it was known then) and I have not seen nor heard anything to change my mind since. If you don't like the sound of the pipes don't go where they are played. How dare Brussels interfere with our cultural heritage. After all are we not the UNITED Kingdom. I may be English but I love the bagpipes.

Julia Pomeroy, Chester, UK

As with any stupid law, it shall be politely sidestepped.

David Masu, Zürich,

When the pipes are quieted, the silence you will enjoy will be that of creeping totalitarianism.

You vote Socialist - you GET Socialism.

Rather than post a rant on what the EU is becoming, I'll leave you poor folks with this thought.......

"Braveheart II"

Mike, Indian Trail, NC, USA

When did the voters in Scotland agree to let Brussles dictate?

Jason, Grand Rapids, USA

This has to be the most ridiculous piece of legislation I've ever heard about; the skirl of the pipes, and I'm not a Scot, stirs the very soul of the listener. Someone, across the pond, please don't allow this to happen.
Vicky S.

Victoria Stirling, London, Ontario, Canada

I like the way people say George Orwell's 1984 is coming! That's a joke, it's been and gone. If we all keep saying that, the fascism we are already living in will keep getting worse and worse. Crikey, next we'll all need licences that cost god knows how much along with our biometric passports and our i.d cards and our debt enslavement and our stealth taxes and our homes we can't afford and our ' war on terrrror' and our 'Global Warming', sorry 'Climate Change', to scratch our own backsides. p.s they had to rename it 'Climate Change' because the world isn't getting hotter and co2 isn't the cause of it anyway and so that they could introduce a new tax every time the weather changes. GOD BLESS THE NEW WORLD ORDER!

Nic, London, Endland

"The bagpipes is Scotland were originally an instruments of war... If this is what Brussels wants then we're always ready."

But you are not ready. Not any more. You surrendered your sovereignty to the EU. You surrendered your guns to those positioned best to oppress you. You surrendered your privacy to a million cameras watching your every act in a public place. You surrender your heritage, your faith, your remaining self-governance to certain immigrants. You have surrendered your citizenship for subjugation. I certainly hope you feel safe and prosperous, otherwise you have given up even the trappings of a free man for naught.

My heart breaks for what the United Kingdom has become and I fear that the United States is not far behind if we surrender another mile.

Garrett, Missouri, USA

The nanny state in action. G-d save us all from those who want to take care of us. Political correctness and multiculturalism are cancers upon the body politic, and will kill us all in their name.

Charly Martel, Eugene, OR

This is what will happen to the USA if we don't stop the NAU now.

NH, Manchester, USA

We fought World War II to rid Europe/the world from Fascism and for freedom. Now we are being taken over by Fascism again. The EU claims to NOT interfere with national or cultural expression, in fact, it claims to promote cultural diversity. However, it is more and more interfering with cultural diversity, agricultural diversity, etc.. When will Wagner be banned (for anti-semitism)? When will Beethoven be banned (loud music)? Er, that would mean banning the EU "national" anthem!
It's all about bureaucrats trying to find something to do, to justify their positions, salaries and power, and to hell with the consequences for others of this totalitarian acting.

Michael, Lund,

Isn't Brussels the capital of the EU? That might be why this legislation comes from there.

Dan McDonald, Nashua, NH, USA

You've got to be kidding! How can the EU be so petty with all the things they could be sorting out, instead they decide to pick on an amazing instrument! I say play up pipers and ignore the EU's stupid petty law!!!

Ruth, Oxford, UK

The last time a totalitarian regime outlawed the pipes, America reaped a bounty of immigrants, as the best men and women in Scotland came here in search of freedom. Sad to say we're not as free now as we once were, but we could sure use another wave of Scots to raise our technical skills in this country.

-jcr

John C. Randolph, Cupertino, CA

I play bagpipes and there is no way to make them quieter. there is one volume, loud. when in a grouper it is louder. i think making a law against noise is stupid especially when bagpipe playing has been around hundreds of years. so sorry but no law is going to stop me from playing my precious bagpipes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chellie, california,

Oh you sad, sorry Brits, when are you finalyl going to rise up against your government, and your government's government?

Drew, Seattle, USA

Brussels is the head of the E.U.
Hence the reason they are speaking up.

My brother plays the pipes here in the states, he would disagree as well. Impossible to play at a low level.

Just another example of conditioning and control.
Down with the NWO!

BigAl, Long Beach,

The Pneumatic drill sounds good - anything is better than the ***pipes.

Finally something good comes out of Brussels.

Mike More, Poole,

It just won't be the same. If you don't like the volume, stand farther away. Hope they don't try to regulate the volume of the opera next! Come play your bagpipea here in the States -- noise is usually only regulated late in the evening.

Margaret, New Jersey, USA

I'm not anti-EU, but what the hell has Brussels got to do with this?

George, Sarajevo, Bosnia

Aye, the skirl of the pipes shall not be stifled by legislation.
What next laughter of children on the yard?

Janice, Santa Clara, USA/CA

This is brilliant news, the best thing the EU has ever done, well done The EU.
Good i will no longer have to put up with this terrible noise.

David Weston, LOOE, Cornwall

This is a warning to all Americans. If you allow socialists to take hold of this country, i.e. democrats, then this will happen here. They have already taken away many of your rights and freedoms. Wake up America!
To Europe: Take back your freedom, fight the EU at every turn. If you don't then Orwell's 1984 will become your reality. You are already well on your way. They will soon be telling you when you can go relieve yourself and what to think. Oh, that's right, they already do that.

Leonard, Seattle, USA

Has anyone measured the sound of the daily calls from mosques versus the bagpipes? I suspect they're not vastly different.

Mary McLemore, Pike Road, Alabama, USA

I have been piping for 55 years, in bands and as a soloist. The only problem I seem to have suffered with my hearing in all this time is, I fail to here when I'm reminded to take out the trash.

Go back to passing laws over the correct colour of oranges and leave us to our music.

Ken, Sechelt, BC

Down the pipes with these fascist regulations.

Brandon, Blacksburg, USA

Frie Martin, Stourtport on Severn:

Directives do NOT merely mean suggestions and it is NOT the case that the European Commission can only suggest changes and it is up to the British government to decide whether to implement them.

The European Commission can force changes in UK laws and Directives in fact force the UK government to take action to implement them within a certain time, leaving only a tiny amount of leeway about how the rules are to be enforced.

Cat (Law student), Edinburgh,

Noise level is not to be taken lightly.
My nephew was a member of the succesful rock group "Indochine". He told me that after three or four years, drummers "go funny" and have to be replaced.
I went to one of his concerts, and after twenty minutes in the back seats, I had to go outside.
I'm sorry to say that, but I had a similar experience in restaurant with American doctors in an international conference.

Bodiansky, Paris, France

Madness!!!

Ian J, Ramsgate, UK

From childhood in Scotland where I attended the Edinburgh Tattoo at the age of 10, I have loved the sound of the bagpipes and even more so when they are played loudly with the noise of drums in a massed band. So I am appalled and find it terribly sad that overpaid unaccountable European Union politicians can have so much sway over our traditions even if they are only seeking to protect the pipers and audience from harm to their eardrums.
Just as my own futile protest at this nonsense I am, as write this, playing an excellent cd of The Braveheart Crew by the Clan Wallace, the song playing is "Scottish Soldier" and I defy any lilly-livered, weak kneed apologist for a EU politician to listen to that at full volume without being moved. The skirl of the pipes makes the emotion well up and the beat of the drums goes right to your heart.
Our land is being slowly made barren by these bureaucrats trying to save us from ourselves. WAKE UP BRITAIN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!

Denzil Gill, Hawards Heath, West Sussex

"Highland" bagpipe is a mis-nomer. Anything Highland about the instrument was long ago purged or neutered. Blame the presbyterian lowlanders, the folk that gave you poor euros "Highland" dancing. Schmidt.

Schmidt, Troy, Nova Scotia

I'm a piper with over 40 years experience behind me and I've no intensions of paying any heed to this nonsence. The bagpipes is Scotland were originally an instuments of war and the Scots have long memories. If this is what Brussels wants then we're always ready.

Bob McTavish, Edinburgh, Bonny Scotland

So, as a drummer, I must try and play more softly and/or wear earplugs. Should my audience, then, also wear earplugs and if so how do I stand (along with other band members) under trades description and goods and services legislation? And what about the Scottish (or any other) noisy symphony ochestras? What about brass bands?

Members of the Brussels law making body should begone to a Nunnery - never to return.

Rodney Barker, Gainsborough, England UK

At last Brussels has had a good idea. Ban this squealing racket, I say, and re-build Hadrian's Wall a lot higher while you're at it.

Jonny Englishman, London,

What is the definition of a gentleman?

A man who knows how to play the bagpies. . . and doesn't.

You wanted the EU, and you got it, blandness, sameness, and loss of character.

Bill W., Brooklyn, NY USA

Bagpipe music is lovely, anyhing law states must consider music quality first, I think, despite tradition scotts scientists and engineers are ought to look for a way bagpipes remains sound quality but reducing level sound. You have to preserve the music!!

Enrique Vargas, Lima, Peru

if the scots have any balls left they will play the pipes louder!!! i know thats what my grandfather, who came from scotland, would have done.

jim, netcong, nj

I just read another article about the smell of manure (blowing across the sea from a certain part of the continent). hanging over europe.

This one's hanging over scotland, but comes from the same direction.

Am I the only one who sees the irony?

May I suggest anyone annoyed or offended or harmed by the noise of the pipes maintain a safe distance? Like "Stay out of Scotland?" To be safe, keep off the British Isles. (And anywhere else the heart and soul of a Scotsman may be found.

If anyone needed a reason for the UK to dump the EU, well, 'thar she blows!'

Dan, Portland, US

JNB, Greenock, Scotland. I agree with your sentiment sir.

I have seen the French cornemuse being played in the main square in front of the cathedral in Strasbourg on several occasions. No one complained about it. I do realise that the cornemuse does not have the oomph of the highland pipe but still, what is good for one is good far all.

I feel that this type of ruling only serves to erode peoples identity. I am a southerner with some Scottish heritage and would quite happily don a kilt, march to Brussels and demonstrate about the impact that such thinking has on the erosion of a peoples identity. Who is with me?

Graeme, Kent,

So dose this mean that the pipes of Ireland, Brittany in France or Galicia and Asturias in Spain will told to keep the noise down too? And if so do you think they will take any notice, I don’t think or hope so.

Jose, A Coruña, Galicia

Are you too lazy to think people ?

Brussels hasn't made something directly against the bagpipes, something was made against the noise.

Of course it's anoying for the musicians, but the first idea was to protect people from loud sounds like airplane, nightclub and this kind of thing. Which everybody want to be protected from.

I'm sure something can be made, and I hope so because I really love bagpipes music and classical music. So wait and claim for a change about music, but don't be silly and be upset about this law only because it's from EU.

P. Thorre, Cardiff, Wales

So glad to see Wagner up there in the list. Should have considered Mahler as well, if he were alive today I am sure that he would have found room for bagpipes and pneumatic drills in his eleventh.

Paul Webb, Alicante, Spain

checked it was not April 1st!

pat rennie, Edinburgh, UK

These limits are far too low. If we have to go with these regulations, pipe bands won’t exist,” said Hughes.

Thats the whole idea though. The E.U. wants to remove all signs of cultural identity so that in the end it has identical people rrespective of where they live all conforming to its regulations and controls.
GET OUT NOW !

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

which of the eu gravy train politicianswill be the first to say ' we must be seen to be good europeans at the heart of europe' ?

david c, purbeck,

I will play for more than 15 minutes a day without earplugs,If Mr Sprout and Mr Brown does not like it he will have to lock me up.

Tim, Shropshire, ENGLAND

Now the inmates have defiantly taken over the asylum.

Jason King, Dublin,

Keep going, Brussels!
It's just another nail in your coffin - we British will only take so much.

Just keep going...

Joe, Sheffield, UK

I've lived all my life in Scotland (well nearly) and never have had cause to say "For goodness sake those bagpipes are too loud. I wish someone would turn them down!!"
What a lot of rubbish.
Obviously, too many overpaid people with nothing better to do.
Get a life.
Ian JM Pratt
East Lothian, Scotland

Ian JM Pratt, Tranent, East Lothian

I myself think this is Racism pure and simple,
First it was the kilt that they wanted it called a skirt, then licensing of the sporran, now the bagpipes!!

This is a pure attack on us Scottish and our Heritage and Music!!!

Leave us alone!!!!!!!

Lex, Glasgow,

Just the thing we need to get certain Edinburgh 'tartan' shops to pipe down!

Ian , Edinburgh, UK

Ye Gods and little fishes, what next?
Is nothing sacred!!
Scots, Irish and Northumbrians all over the world should organise a mass "pipe-in" outside EU HQ to play for at least a week to show total contempt for this new piece of beurocratic IDIOCY!
The piob mohr was at one time considered a weapon of war as it intimidates the enemy (doesn't it Richard?) and rouses the morale of the fighting men.

Mike, Forfar, SCOTLAND

Michael in the colony's needs to get his facts correct! Bagpipes were classified as "instruments of war" and were not allowed to be carried.

Laurence ex army piper, Pirbright, UK

No doubt Brussles will soon be passing legislation requiring that Scots wear thick underpants under their kilts for the sake of Health and Safety.

Adrian Gilbert, Tonbridge,

BAN THE PIPES? I think not.
If G Brown can't put his foot (or something) down about this then I think we need someone 'up there' who can. I'd be all for it.

hill, elgin, SCOTLAND

For God's sake; I hope pipers and drummers will pay no attention to this nonsense; it's not as if we are listening all day long, for those who can't take it let them leave .. after all I am not listening to Gallows punk.

alice hudson, quimper, france

So glad the EU is removing the danger of exposure to the Great Highland Bagpipes. We can all sleep safely tonight knowing our children are safe from such terrorism.

Rye, Toronto, Canada

Who are these idiots in Brussels? They are certainly musical morons that's for sure. Please make a stand around the world against this pathetic and stupid edict. Let musicians make music and express character through their performances. Playing at a reduced musical dynamic level will remove the excitement and the energy. Brussel's boffins can head back to the kindergarten choir for this decision.

Chris Earl, Bendigo, Australia

For "directive" read, suggestion.
The European Commission can only suggest changes in the law. It is up to member countries own governments to choose to implement it, or not..
I have not read this directive, and I suspect, neither has the writer of this article. I would not be at all surprised if there were exception clauses in it, like for example for orchestras and piping bands. but that would not make a sensational item in the news for British newspapers, now would it?
Can you honestly agree that it is a bad thing to try to protect the hearing of people who work all day long with a pneumatic drill?

Frie Martin, Stourport on Severn, England

If you look carefully it is a BRITISH law. You take a sensible Brussels directive designed to protect workers, give it to our fussy, pin-headed law-makers, and they turn it into restrictions. Then we are encouraged to blame Brussels. It happens over and over again. Remember all the metric rows? Go to France and you'll see loads of things on sale in Francs as well as Euros. Fascistic love of red tape is a BRITISH problem. The HSE is the enemy here.

Bill, Somerset,

I do hope that all the underground rail networks are going to issue their passengers with free ear plugs as they breach the to be directive. or further still lets ban it !!! as a result of it being dangerous to health and safety!!!

I know that sounds ridiculous but at 94 decibels the EU would say so.

The EU must be running out with things to do if this is the best directives that they come up with.

We deifed the english we will defy the EU

Long Live the PIPES!!!

Rob, Forfar, Scotland

Well said Mr Tahara!!

Yours is right in line with the other goodly soul who applied to have the TESCO boss's house demolished.

Keep subverting, kindred spirit...you know it makes sense!

Barry Cade, oxford,

It is actually insane to think that someone in an office across the channel can tell British people how loud music is allowed to be. Next: there will be police on beaches arresting people who want a tan. Following that, I will be in a checkout at a supermarket and, (in accordance with the new EU directive on what you are allowed to eat), the bacon will be removed from my basket because my bmi is up. Who really dares to guess the idiotic 'rules' that will come next?

Tomos, Reading, UK

So that will be the Scots falling out of love with the EUSSR pdq then.

I'm a piper - haven't played them for quite a few years now, apart for last Burns night. Guess I'll be getting them out of the cupboard later today, dusting them off and starting to practice regularly, It's not the EUs business to interfere in music!

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey, Surrey

This is a health and safety issue. And what a surprise... The usual bandwagon have tried to use it to attack the European Commission that is acting in our best interests.

It is time that the Eurosceptic, US owned press grew up.

Any sensible person protects himself and workers need protection: there is no pride or merit in ear damage.

Peter Goddard, Epsom, England, EU

Your man needs to do his homework. The carrying of weapons was banned, and so were kilts, but bagpipes never were.

Michael, Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

What utter nonsense, The Western world is being killed with political correctness. Our ancestors must be turning in their graves. I hate bagpipes but would defend to the death people's right to play them and listen, if they really want to! When are we going to become normal people again?

Julian, Murfreesboro, USA

EU is all about dictating and democracy is disappearing with every new law or act which they bring.
Brussels keeps making new laws and regulations to justify its own existence.
They consider the population of EU as heard of stupid people, which needs to be regulated down to the colour of toilet paper which they are allowed to use.

Savo, London, UK

I find reading directives from the EU damages my blood-pressure levels. Can they therefore be banned (or be restricted to 15 mins of stupid politicking a week?)

M. Ibn Tahhara, Bradford, UK

Absolutely pathetic! This is what happens when you give up your sovereignty to some foreign body. Everyone can kiss Great Britain the sovereign nation goodbye and say hello to Great Britain the MEMBER STATE!

Haile , Cleveland, US

I think that is so stupid. If people want to damage their hearing, then they should be allowed to do so. So what if the bagpipes are a bit loud; poeple have been playing them for years and years!

Scott, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

There's nothing more rousing than the skirl of the pipes, or more plaintive when a single piper is playing. We also have pipes in Northumberland and they are wonderful. What on earth is wrong with Brussels? I agree with another commenter, time to back out of this nonsense - Mr Brown, time to let us ALL have a say in what we think about the EU. Far too much interference in affairs which are nothing to do them!

Sue Shaw, Morpeth, Northumberland, UK

I agree with JNB.
Will someone please slap an restraining order on the EU telling them to mind their own business. Maybe an ASBO.. however useless they may be.
Thanks again Gordon for not giving everyone the chance to tell you and your comrades in Brussels where to go.
If you don't like the bagpipes then don't bother coming to Scotland.

James, Inverness,

I hate bagpipes, but nearly everyone in Britain hates the 'European Unon' more. Let us hope that Scotsman Brown will instruct parliament to ignore such an impertinent 'directive'.

John McKenzie Gibbs, Solihull,

Who needs Brussells now....... Job is done...... Overdone...... We now need to reduce the legislation stupidly enacted over the last decade & more.....
arest
Brussels civil servants should go out into the world and contribute to the world's prosperity ........ I for one am intolerant of the eternally constrictions of the Brussells Political machine - that helps nobody.

Richard, Bucharest,

The sound of a pipe band seems like a drill inside my brain but in reading this I do feel sorry for those who love them.

Karen, Adelaide, South Australia

This must be that last straw!
What are we being ordered to do next?

M J WArd, Altrincham, Cheshire

You know what, everything in this world is bad for us, everything is going to kill us and do you know what that is called....LIFE! Get over it. What is the EU going to do if everyone ignores them? They can just bugger off and get over it.

JNB, Greenock, Scotland

Since arriving in the UK 3 years ago I have been unable to come to grips with these stupid rules that seem to come from across the Channel. When will people in the UK stand up and start fighting back. I have never heard of such utter rubbish. Play those bagpipes as they are meant to be played and continue to bring enjoyment to those of use who appreciate the sound, as it is meant to be.

Elizabeth, London, UK

Thank goodness for that. A hideous sound when played well.

Richard, Plymouth,