The 2014 Raspberry Awards

The Xenophobia Award

Harry’s all for protecting and serving, abiding by the rules, protecting the environment and endangered species, and all that good stuff. However, the USA has proved that sometimes common sense and reasonable discretion get lost in the rush to fill the gaps. Pipers travelling across US borders in any direction became very wary of taking their ivory mounted pipes after two sets were seized, and lots of pipers heading to the World’s were re-thinking their instrument choices. Does this mean that North Americans will not get to hear Stuart Liddell’s silver and ivory MacRaes, Roddy MacLeod’s Lawries or Angus MacColl’s Hendersons? That would be some misguided legislation. Add to that the difficulty that non-Americans have to cross the border to perform at Highland games, or judge them, and you’ve got a situation where really good people are just going to avoid all the hassle and stay home from otherwise excellent US events.

The It’s Oony a Problem Fae They “Overseas” Bawnds Award

Still with the good folk at 45 Wash, the RSPBA Big Enchilada, when asked about how the summertime US crackdown on ivory might affect the World Pipe Band Championships, to which many pipers travel from or through the USA to get to, said to the Scotsman newspaper, “This seems to more of a problem in America than here. It’s a problem for the individuals, but I don’t see it having an impact on the World Championships.” Harry has a tip: at least pretend to have a little concern for your “overseas” guests. After all, they arrive with a full wallet, leave with an empty one, and make the World’s . . . THE FREAKIN WORLD’S!