Proud
Pittsburgh
Pipers
The prestigious Balmoral School of
Piping and Drumming brings the culture
of Scotland to Fox Chapel.
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
A
t first glance, Pittsburgh might not seem to have that much
in common with Scotland. There are no ancient castles
here, no heather-shrouded moors and no rocky cliffs
overlooking a restless sea. Still – the Scots who first settled in our
area must have seen some resemblance in the hilly terrain, the
cool, sometimes wet weather and the meandering rivers that slice
through the landscape.
But perhaps the strongest link to the land of the Picts is the
culture of bagpiping. The famous Black Watch Regiment of
Scotland (formed in 1725 of Highlanders to prevent fighting
amongst the clans) fought in the French and Indian War in our
area. And their pipers were there in battle with them, bringing
their unique and patriot-stirring music to what was t