Bagpipes on The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

In the wake of the "45" and the defeat at Culloden Moor, the British Government put a ban on the playing of the Bagpipes and the wearing of the Tartan, by those in Scotland. It was called the 'Proscription Act'. These two items were seen as 'Weapons of War' and obviously frightened the rank and file of those that considered themselves as supporters of the crown of England.

Now it seems that the residents of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh have decided to take that same oppressive action, against themselves. Not all residents ...mind...just the ones that have taken the time to call the local authority and issue "Complaints against the Noise".

A ban on playing the Pipes has been enacted in Edinburgh. Unbelievable !!!!!

With the Americans getting ready to celebrate their own Independence by shooting off fireworks, (much louder than the Pipes could ever be), I could not see, that same 'issue' happening here. I mean, what would happen if a few people decided to raise a riot act about firework and ask for a ban? No doubt the population would rise-up in protest and keep the 'insanity of that cause' from ever coming to pass.

I live in Seaside and the fireworks have been going off each night now for a few weeks, as soon as the sun goes down. And will continue for weeks after the 4th of July comes and goes.
But we don't call the police each time we hear a loud boom, we understand that this is part of what living at the beach is all about. People come here for the ability to be able to celebrate the season of Freedom's Cause and blow off a bit of steam for it. We are all better equipped to deal with the rest of the year because of it.

When did the few whiners of the world actually take rank over the wants and wishes of the larger majority? When did the shift happen in society, where the few that have intolerance of tradition, have the ear of the police, more than the masses?

What is Scotland without the shrill of the Pipes? How many of you that have been in Edinburgh, have actually followed the sound to seek out the Piper, and watch the show?
Scotland is in a deep debate about Independence and Freedom from their ties to England.
Next thing you know they'll be outlawing the wearin' of the Kilt again...
because some pinch-face person took offense by seeing a man's tackle hangin' down,
when his kilt was caught in a updraft.

I trust those in control do not fall into the auld trap...of the oppressed, once finding their freedom, ...becoming the new oppressors.

When the sounds of music .. becomes noise, and the human body .. becomes offensive it's time to re-assess ....who we are ...and realize ...this feeling of self-importance that mankind is so strongly holding onto ....has gotten out of hand.

The Bard