WATCH: Durban resident celebrates International Bagpipe Day

LA Lucia resident Michael Cairns has been playing the bagpipes for the last 16 years.

Cairns, a member of the Durban Caledonian Society pipe band, has even gone viral with a video of him playing an uplifting medley of tunes for patrollers during the July 2021 riots.

Inspired by a performance of fellow piper Alex Rice, who performed at his mother’s Christmas party, Cairns said he felt something resonate deep within him that inspired him to learn to play.

He, like thousands around the world, is celebrating International Bagpipe Day, which takes place annually on March 10.

Not only does the day commemorate the centuries-old instrument but it also gives pipers (people who play the bagpipes) an opportunity to spread the love for the instrument.

“The sound of the pipe just resonated with me, and I felt overwhelmed with the urge to play the instrument. I never met my grandparents on my father’s side, but his dad was born in Sterling, Scotland. When I was younger, I remember finding two photographs of him, one holding a haggis (a mixture of minced meat and oatmeal, seasoned with onion, packed into a sheep’s stomach and boiled) and him holding a set of bagpipes.

“That’s when my initial interest piqued, but it would take the performance all those years later that sealed it for me. I’ve had the privilege of being a member of the Durban Caledonian Society pipe band and performing at various Highland Games, both locally and abroad. My hope is that more people learn to appreciate the instrument, and if they are keen, play it.

Cairns says two of his favourite tunes to play on the pipe are Itchy Fingers and Scotland’s national anthem, Flower of Scotland.

He is also a regular performer on the Comrades Marathon route, playing the Chariots of Fire tune for runners and supporters.

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