AS a subscriber and former resident of Richmond, now living in Stirling, I felt compelled to write in defence of bagpipes.

There are many pipers worldwide who come to Scotland annually to compete in the numerous competitions throughout the summer, culminating in the grand finale in Glasgow held in late August or early September. There are many wonderful tunes such as Highland Cathedral, Caledonia, Mull of Kintyre and Flower of Scotland, as well as Scotland the Brave and even Amazing Grace.

I am truly sorry VJ Connor does not appreciate the sound of the pipes.

However, on Remembrance Sunday here in Stirling one cannot help but be moved at the hour of remembrance when the bugler’s Last Post is followed by the piper’s Lament.

I, like many other English residents in Scotland, appreciate the sound of bagpipes and sincerely hope that independence for Scotland will not mean their demise.

A Porter, Stirling.