FOLLOWING the success of the All Under One Banner march in Dundee on Saturday, The National can reveal that a project is under way to provide future marches and the wider Yes movement with its very own pipe band.
The proposed band would consist of pipers from all over Scotland, and would have its own uniform. The National understands that negotiations to form the band are at an advanced but delicate stage.
A senior figure involved in the project said they were reluctant to give too much information at this time but considerable efforts had already gone in to the idea of a pipe band that would perform at marches, rallies and demonstrations in support of independence.
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He told The National: “We are hoping to get pipers from across the country to take part, hopefully for as soon as the All Under One Banner march and rally that’s being organised for Edinburgh on October 6.
“We are trying to organise uniforms and drums in particular as most drums are owned by bands and not individual drummers, while most pipers own their pipes.
“It is a real possibility that we can get organised for Edinburgh in time for October, but if not we will definitely be ready for the next march in Glasgow next year.
“We already have some organisation in place, and we will go public soon with news of a crowdfunding plan.
He continued: “There is money needed to set up the band and equip it, especially with drums, and we hope the Yes people will give generously so we can put a pipe band at the head of these marches.
“It will be like nothing Yes people have seen before and will be a credit to the whole Yes movement.”
Email community@thenational.scot if you’re interested in joining such a band and we will pass on your details to the organisers.
Another source close to the organisers of future marches said: “The crowd of 16,000 at Dundee on Saturday would have been somewhat bigger had the World Piping Championships not drawn 30,000 to Glasgow Green.
“There was also the last concert of Runrig and that had 25,000 people at it, some of whom told us they had to miss out on Dundee to make sure they made it to Stirling.
READ MORE: Yes DIY: Forward as One to Fife for next pro-independence march
“We know that Scottish music lovers would love the idea of a pipe band for the Yes movement. It has been discussed for some time and we are awaiting developments with interest,” he added.
“We all love the pipes and you can just imagine what it would bring to marches and rallies which will continue in the months to come, with all roads leading to Edinburgh on October 6 when the Yes movement can really show Westminster that we are ready and waiting for a second referendum – and this time we will not lose.”
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