IN PHOTOS: Local pipe band uplifts the spirits of patients and staff

Starting out at Kiaat and ending at Mediclinic, the band worked its way around the hospitals and played in various spots so as to reach as many staff and patients as possible.

Among the songs played were “Flower of Scotland”, “Amazing Grace” and even the national anthem.

Dave Walters, a member of the band, said many bands like theirs have been lifting spirits across the country the last while. He also mentioned the man in Mossel Bay who recently played the accordion for his wife outside a hospital.

Lowvelder covered the stretch at Mediclinic via a Facebook live video and comments poured in throughout the performance.

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Many people said they had goosebumps from the heartfelt event; some even made their presence known from inside the hospital.

Melanie Braun Kleynhans, for one, said she was watching from a bathroom window. Many curious faces, including nurses and patients, could be seen peeping out of the windows.

Walters also mentioned that last Tuesday was the 11th anniversary of the death of Charlie Baty, who was with the Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band for the longest time.

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“We cannot think of a finer way to pay tribute to him.”

There was even a lighthearted moment when Walters mentioned the age-old question of what was under the kilt. “Someone would ask, ‘Is anything worn under the kilt?’ with the answer then being, ‘No, Ma’am, it’s all in good working order, but thanks for checking!’.”

Before playing “Amazing Grace”, Walters said, “Inasmuch as we are here to add a bit of joy to people’s lives during a difficult time, it would be criminal of us not to also recognise that a lot of people have lost their lives during this pandemic, and in tribute to those, if you have a drink in your hand, I’ll ask you to raise it in a toast to absent friends.”

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