The Pipe Band Play at COP26

A mini-band comprising four pupils from our Pipe Band, Cayla W-W, Finlay D, Finlay G and Matt M, were invited to perform for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the premier of India, during COP26. Many thanks to Mrs Poonam Gupta OBE, a St Columba’s parent, who organised this unique invitation for our pupils. 

Matt, Cayla and Finlay G each wrote accounts of their experience which form the article here below:

Matt, Head Boy: When we had arrived at the top secret location, we were surprised to encounter a scene which appeared to be nothing short of a huge party. We entered an enormous tent filled with hundreds of people, who were all dressed extremely smartly. We were greeted by one of Mr Modi’s bodyguards who kept us under his strict control and stayed with us until we were permitted to go through to extravagant canopy where the party was being held. After being patted down and completely security checked, we were pushed to the front of the queue of people – by this point, we felt like VIPs!  

Finlay G: “During the search, we even had to prove that are pipes and drums were real instruments by playing them!” 

Cayla: It was the first time that I had the chance to play an event like this, finding out I had been chosen to play was as terrifying as it was exciting! By the time we got through security, the magnitude of who we would be playing for set in but once we started the routine of tuning up outside a vast marquee, I felt more settled. We were further put at ease as a few people asked us for photos: they were all very kind and lovely to talk to. It was amazing to see how all the people attending the function really appreciated the pipes and drums, in my opinion their reaction was one of the reasons the experience was so special.  

Inside the marquee where we met further members of the Glaswegian Indian community, as well as members of the Glasgow Indian band. We found out that some of these people had not seen Prime Minister Modi in almost 20 years and it was clear to see how excited they were. I found their traditional Indian dress beautiful, and they in turn expressed admiration for our pipe band uniform! 

Finlay: We must have been asked for over 100 photos, so we must be on quite a lot of Facebook pages! We spoke to one of the security guards who we were initially quite frightened of but he was very pleasant, asking us lots of questions. He also commented that this must be one of the most memorable experiences in our lives – I could not disagree with him!

Cayla: In fact, we took the opportunity to speak to all sorts of different people- from security staff to members of the public and took the experience in our stride. When it was time to play, we were led into the main building at Mar Hall and taken to the end of the long Main Hall.  After we were in position, lots of other people came and lined up along the hallway, waiting for the Prime Minister to come. I remember standing there and someone joking to us that billions of people would probably see this across India - they were right, Prime Minister Modi’s exit with us playing, was shown on the Indian News that evening!  

Finlay: I remember the atmosphere being on fire, just before Mr Modi appeared. There was even chanting from the crowd but they were told to calm down by a member of staff. As Prime Minister Modi walked out, we played the Scotland the Brave set, the Greenhills set, and Flower of Scotland. A glimpse at the Prime Minister made my knees buckle and I thought to myself ‘that’s pretty cool’ after witnessing him in flesh.

Cayla: After Prime Minster Modi left, we began to leave the building and as we did, we couldn’t walk more than a few steps without being asked for more photos. It was fun and I remember after one photo we were told that it was with members of the Prime Minister’s personal security detail!  

But the experience did not end there. The Glasgow Indian band, which was comprised of traditional drums, came up to us and asked for a ‘fusion of music’. This was an awesome experience as we not only got to mix our pipe music with their traditional Indian music, but also experience some traditional Indian music and songs on their own - which were beautiful and so unlike anything I have heard before. It was thrilling having so many people gather around us while we played and when they sang, the atmosphere was electric.  

Matt: the drum-off-and-pipe-off with the Indian band was incredible! This band members were dressed in the most amazing orange garments that popped out in the crowd. We were huddled together in a huge circle while playing various jigs as well as the Queen classic, ‘We Will Rock You’. It was an honour to have this opportunity, both to promote Scottish culture through music and to experience a tantalising taster of Indian culture.  

Finlay: It was an honour and a privilege playing for Mr Modi, one that I do not believe I will forget for the rest of my life.

Cayla: The opportunity to play for the Prime Minister of India was a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and was one of the best I have had while playing with St Columba’s School Pipe Band. The event was truly wonderful and I hope that we have put into words just how much we enjoyed it, despite how nerve racking it was!

We are grateful to Mr Bruce, Mrs Gupta, and the Indian community and delegation who gave us this tremendous opportunity.