It's a funny thing - I am 1/4 Russian, 1/4 Polish, 1/4 English and the other bit seems to be a mix of Irish, Welsh and, probably, Martian but of all the music I like I seem to have the closest affinity for all things Scottish.

My favourite concert of all time was Runrig in Manchester on Donny's farewell tour. I saw Bruce's hello tour not long after and that was great as well:-) The Battlefield Band hold a place in my heart forever with their Scottish Ceildh set at Fylde, including Bad Moon Rising on the pipes.

But something is puzzling me a little. There was a band who won some sort of TV talent contest a year or two back called the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Pipes and Drums with attitude is what you may describe them as. All indications are that I should hate them. TV reality winners, riding the back of two types of music I love (Scottish and heavy metal) and good looking young blokes to boot (The Bastards!). But I can't help myself. I love them. Their album is probably the most played in our house at the moment. Smoke on the Water on pipes still sets me grinning like a Cheshire cat. The Murryfield mix of Flower of Scotland is stunning. Some of the seguays (sp?) from rock to reel are amazing!

Here is the question. How do our Caledonian Cousins feel about them? Have you heard of them? Do you care?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Dave