AGGRIEVED SCOTTISH PIPERS have succesfully petitioned their national parliament to help overturn the Rugby World Cup’s blanket ban on bagpipes.

The “musical” instruments, deemed an unwelcome distraction for players, officials and fans alike, are nonetheless a mainstay of Scottish support, and it’s on that basis that the Scottish Minister for Sport, Shona Robison, has decided to intervene.

According to a report by STV, the minister has sent tournament organisers a letter asking them to rethink their stance.

News of the communiqué will come as a relief to a number of fans, including Matthew Strachan, a GP from Aboyne.

“What is a touring piper supposed to do with his pipes when refused entry to a stadium? I would not have bought as many tickets to other games had I known, because as a piper, rugby games to me have always included my pipes.”

Strachan himself has made formal complaints to both tournament officials and John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Read more about the plight of Scottish pipers at STV>

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