Alan Day, one of our favorite pipers, submits the following:
Are Bagpipers in Worse Health?
A survey by Piper and Drummer magazine finds that half of all bagpipe players suffer from hearing loss and
repetitive strain injuries, but a chief defender of the instrument says that health problems for pipers are just "a load of
bunk."
According to the survey, one in 10 players said his passion for bagpipes led to the dissolution of his marriage, and 84
percent said they knew pipers who had become alcoholics, according to a BBC report
But Robert Wallace, principal of the College of Piping in Glasgow, said health woes are no more common in pipers than anyone
else.
"The playing of pipes is not in any way detrimental to health," he told the BBC . If a piper were to suffer hearing
loss, nearby drums are more likely to be the source, said another piper and acoustic expert.
Moreover, Wallace said, pipers drink no more or less than others. "You cannot play the bagpipes drunk," he insisted.
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This item from Scottie at rampantscotland.com........
You missed your chance, folks!
Internet Pioneer Buys Lee Castle
The Lee, a 19th century mansion in South Lanarkshire may include some of the castle of the Lockharts, who held the lands
in the 12th century. The Lockharts were said to be so named because a Simon Lockhart helped to bring back King Robert the
Bruce's heart from Spain where it had been taken on a crusade after his death, at his request. However, the family were known
as "Loccard" even before that event. The Lee was held by the family until the 20th century and the property includes the title
of "Baron of Lee." There were all sorts of rumours about prospective buyers when it was put on the market but the property
has eventually been sold to Addison McElroy Fischer, a reclusive internet pioneer based in Florida who has made his fortune
from computing. The Lee has 14 bedrooms, a private chapel - and a heated swimming pool.
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