Hi and welcome and we are ever closer to the start of the outdoor piping season. We have Dunbar on the 10th May, Gourock on the 11th and Campbeltown on the 17th. The first major of the season, the Scottish Championships, takes place on Saturday the 24th at Dumbarton .

The solo season also gets going in May with the Atholl Gathering on the 25th and Bathgate on 31st. Let's hope for far better weather this year - do you remember the wash-out at the Worlds last year?!

It was nice to get a mention in the Glasgow Evening Times in early April in connection with the world famous Mamma Mia west end musical. Beggbagpipes have supplied the show for many years since its first appearance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the west end of London. It has been seen by an audience of 30 million over the years and I am glad it has now reached my home town of Glasgow. The company generally buys a new set of pipes from me every time it opens in a new country.

The next time you are visiting us for your piping supplies, why not stop off for a cup of coffee as well? The lovely girls in the cafe above my shop, Roland Butter, have kindly offered a 10% discount to all Beggbagpipe customers - just present my business card to them when ordering. If I am free, I'd be pleased to join you for some piping chat.

Have you picked up yet on the latest chanter sensation? On the back purely of word of mouth from piper to piper and with no advertising, the African Dream Chanter is the one to own.

For over a quarter of a century I have strived to promote not just my business but piping in general across the world.We pride ourselves in catering for all levels of pipers and their requirements and for providing a customer service second to none. Give us a try and you won't be disappointed.

James C. Begg