Sir,

In 1746 the bagpipes were condemned and banned as an 'instrument of war' in the wake of the defeat of the rebellious Bonnie Prince Charlie.

But last Sunday at Moss Vale Showground, 11 pipe bands and around 100 pipers redeemed the reputation of the Great Highland Bagpipe by demonstrating its drought-breaking qualities!

It says much for the toughness of character of pipers and drummers that even the thickest of Highland mists did not dampen their enthusiasm: the music of the bands brought a lift to the heart and a spring to the step.

Despite being drenched in the continuing downpour throughout the day, our sturdy contestants treated the equally sturdy audience to an outstanding display of music and drill.

Water in the drones, water on the drumskin, water under foot - but still they played and marched.

Pipes and drums are not for wimps!

Inspired and hosted by our very own, The Highlands Pipes and Drums, led by its redoubtable Pipe Major, Rod Parker, the first annual pipe band contest earned its success in the face of nature's fickleness.

These events take months in the planning and organising and we are all indebted to Pipe Major Parker and his collaborators for their initiative in promoting a premier annual solo piping, drumming and pipe band competition at the grand old Moss Vale Showground.

They have enhanced the prestige of the Southern Highlands as the pinnacle of Scottish culture in Australia.

And they have done it by complementing, not rivalling, Bundanoon's famous Brigadoon.

Credit, too, goes to the organisers, stallholders and patrons of the Southern Highlands Country Fair who showed by their enthusiasm the power of pipe music to uplift the human spirit - and to bring a tear to the eye.

But I think the best accolade of the day goes to our versatile Mayor, Councillor Phil Yeo, the Chieftain of the Day.

Phil showed no sacrifice is too great for the cause of the citizens of Wingecarribee Shire.

Risking arthritis, he exposed his bare knees to the elements as rainwater dripped from the hem of his kilt.

Just as well it wasn't blowing a gale Phil!

Garry Barnsley

Bowral