Edinburgh pipes into record books

Thousands of pipers took part in the mass march

An international throng of pipers in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park has succeeded in its record breaking effort.

More than 10,000 pipers took part in Pipefest 2005, which was raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The event broke the record for the largest-ever group of pipers playing together in one location, set at Pipefest 1995 with 2,739 pipers.

Final figures for the new world record won't be known until the pipe major tallies have been collected.

Organisers said the record had been approached at the Edinburgh event in 2000 when unofficial figures put the number of pipers at more than 8,500.

Organisers hope Pipefest, which is marking its 10th year, will raise about £250,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Everyone involved, from pipers to spectators, should be proud of their efforts Jack McConnell First Minister

Pipers from about 30 countries, including Canada, the US, Pakistan, Japan and Australia attended.

Pipers, marching eight abreast, paraded around the park area, with the finale adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

First Minister Jack McConnell and Edinburgh Lord Provost Lesley Hinds were at the event, which culminated in the salute to the chieftain. All of the pipers played together and marched 300 abreast.

Mr McConnell said: "The sound of the pipes has inspired Scots for generations.

"Pipefest is a great event and Marie Curie Cancer Care is a great cause. Everyone involved, from pipers to spectators, should be proud of their efforts."