OUR COVER picture, showing Dr. Andy Hunter, an active member of the Society, demonstrating his Lowland pipes before the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Dr. Tom Johnston, principal of Heriot- Watt University, Edinburgh, almost certainly shows the first occasion on which Lowland pipes have been played before a reigning monarch. Andy Hunter lectures in French at the University, and doubles as its official piper on ceremonial  ccasions. Usually in the past he has used Highland pipes but on this occasion, he used his Lowland set, also composing a medley of tunes for the occasion-- 'The Queen's Hansel', including two reels with strong Border characteristics.

During her visit, to open the University's new £900,000 Lord Balerno building at Riccarton Campus, the Queen apparently showed considerable  interest in Andy's pipes, asking him whether the bellows made them easier to play. "Yes, Ma'am," replied Andy, "But it needs more power to your  elbow." Prince Philip, also, showed a lively interest in the cauld wind pipes. An illuminated manuscript bearing the tunes has since been sent to the Queen to commemorate the occasion.