While there is no concerted plan to encourage another ‘Pipe’s Up’ bagpipe tribute around Scotland tonight, we are aware that many pipers intend to repeat their personal tribute to NHS workers. We hear that some pipers in England plan to do the same.
Some pipe bands have been joining in, too. Last Friday, members of the Grampian Corby Pipe Band performed outside a care home in the Northamptonshire town to entertain the self-isolating residents during this pandemic. Corby was at one time known locally as ‘Little Scotland’ due to the large number of Scottish migrant workers who came to Corby for its steelworks.
The band’s Pipe Major, Rob Muir, pipes at Sandalwood Court Care Home every Hogmanay and when an administrator at the home saw him piping at last Thursday evening’s ‘Clap for our Carers’ she contacted him and asked him to pipe outside to entertain the residents.
Rob went one better and brought eight members of the band with him who travelled in separate cars. The mini-band stood far apart in the park across from the home and played a small selection of tunes.
Shelley Sloane, the care home administrator, said: “It was brilliant. They walked across the field towards the home and we all had goosebumps. They all loved it and there were a few tears. It went down lovely. A lot of the residents have a Scottish background.
“Neighbours came out to watch and a few people stopped their cars. It made everyone feel that they were part of the community.”
Rob said: “We just did a short set including Scotland the Brave, Cock o’the North and the Green Hills. It was fantastic to see their faces in the care home. We’ve never done a concert like that before and it was a pleasure to go along.”
