An MSP has launched a campaign urging the Scottish Government to lift Covid-19 restrictions on bagpipes.
Conservative Michelle Ballantyne has lodged a motion demanding a ban on band practice sessions is removed.
Scotland is the only country in the UK still outlawing the playing of the instrument in a group in the open air – even with social distancing.
Public health officials fear the pipes, along with other woodwind and brass instruments, could create an “aerosol” of infectious particles.
But Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association chairman John Hughes has argued it is a “dry” mechanism with no vapour discharge.
Ballantyne’s motion calls on the Scottish Government to “consider the current situation for pipe and silver bands”.
It goes on to call for recognition that “piping technology means that pipes are no longer wet”.
She added: “Young pipers, drummers and silver musicians receive their instrumental teaching from these bands and without the lifting of restrictions, they are unable to continue their musical development”.
The motion calls for measures to be considered to allow bands to practice indoors during winter.
The Sunday Mail revealed last week band leaders are furious about the ban.
Hughes has written to national clinical director Jason Leitch and asked for scientific evidence that bagpipes are a Covid-19 health hazard but is awaiting a response.
Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell – who plays the bagpipes – is among musicians calling for a review.
South Lanarkshire councillor and Stonehouse Pipe Band member Davie McLachlan said: “Hopefully this issue is going to be taken up in Parliament and pipers aren’t going to be silenced just because nobody got around to formulating a safe plan for groups to play.”
