Seventeen MPs have signed an early day motion attacking Rugby World Cup organisers for ruling that Scotland fans cannot take bagpipes into matches.
Tournament organisers included bagpipes on a list of restricted items banned from venues which “might compromise or otherwise interfere with the enjoyment or comfort of any person at the venue”.
The list includes “large flags, banners and flag poles, oversized hats, large umbrellas, noisemakers such as vuvuzelas and whistles, horns, air horns, drums, rattles, and musical instruments”.
The motion, signed by 15 Scottish National party MPs, plus Jonathan Edwards of Plaid Cymru and Jim Shannon of the Democratic Unionist Party, reads: “This House condemns the banning of bagpipes from the upcoming Rugby World Cup; calls on World Rugby Union to allow bagpipes to be played at the World Cup; recognises that bagpipes are not dangerous; stresses the importance of cultural identity associated with bagpipes for Scots, in the UK and around the world; and acknowledges that bagpipes are often played in formal ceremonies.”
The former Scotland captain David Sole backed the politicians’ protest, telling STV News the ban was “absolutely ridiculous”.
“When you hear the pipes going the crowd get behind the Scottish team, and to take that away is a terrible decision and disadvantageous to the Scots,” he said. “The bagpipes are integral to our game. It is always nice to hear them and see the team being galvanised.”
Explaining the ban, a spokesman said: “Rugby World Cup recognises the significant role that bagpipes play in Scottish and world rugby heritage and, while individual instruments will not be permitted into venues to rightly give appropriate consideration to fan experience, bagpipes will play a prominent role at all Scotland matches, which is great for Scotland fans and great for the tournament.”
