The bagpipes, like tartan, the thistle and the Loch Ness Monster, are a symbol of Scotland - but it seems they are becoming the must-have item for city internet surfers.
Figures show that city-based Ebay shoppers spent £2,661 on bagpipes in the past year, even more than Scots north of the border, but then the statistics are not that surprising given that Norwich has its own pipe band.
The City of Norwich Pipe Band has been bringing the sound of Scotland to East Anglia since 1974, when it was formed, and will be in action during the Lord Mayor’s procession on Saturday.
John Welton, club secretary of the band, who has been playing the bagpipes for 39 years after learning as a 16-year-old in the RAF, said the pipes offered something different to people in Norwich.
He said: “We do get a very good reception, particularly at the Lord Mayor’s procession. We’re always pretty popular when we take part and get people coming up and chatting.
He stands ramrod straight, his cheek bulging out as if part of the bagpipe he plays. But in his mind, Evan Stewart is going places as he busks on Ste. Catherine and Peel Sts.
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