A Highland Fling In Shanghai

Playing drums with a pipe band, Kay Condie has seen the world!

- Susan C Anderson

Formed in 1887, Wallacestone and District Pipe Band in Scotland is one of the oldest civilian bands in the world, and 47-year-old Kay Condie is proud to be part of it.

“I have a huge family, and over the years no less than 16 of us have been band members! I started learning the chanter as a child, switched to Highland dancing for many years and then at the age of 39 I volunteered to learn tenor drum. It’s very visual so it’s interesting for audiences. Since then I’ve also taken up bagpipes, which is definitely harder but I’m getting there.”

Kay loves the social aspect of the band and was delighted when they were asked to perform at a 70th birthday party – particularly when she discovered it was taking place in Shanghai!

“Our Drum Major, Bud Inglis, got talking to a wealthy businessman who was looking for a pipe band to play at his father’s party. One of the main requirements was that the band wear the Number 1 uniform – tunic, white spats, plaid, knee-length horsehair sporran and a big feather bonnet. Luckily, we fitted the bill!”

The week-long all-expenses-paid trip was beyond Kay’s wildest dreams and naturally, the party itself was the highlight.