Thanks for the lift, dad!

Edinburgh father to fly son’s Pipe Band to New York

A group of gifted young pipers will enjoy first-class treatment as they travel to the Big Apple to perform in the 26^th Tartan Day Parade aboard a plane piloted by a father to one of the youngsters.

Captain Simon Rankin from Edinburgh is thrilled to be flying the boys to New York for the big event. He said: “It’s a privilege to be flying The Merchiston Castle School Pipe Band to New York, particularly as I am a dad to one of the students! 

“All of us at Virgin Atlantic are delighted to be part of creating such great experiences and memories for all of the boys.  Enjoy Tartan Week and the magic of NYC!” 

Merchiston Castle School’s Pipe Band is performing at the ceremony on the 6^{th of} April, joining over 3000 bagpipers, highland dancers, clan organisations and Scottish dog breeds marching proudly up Sixth Avenue to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture.

Scotland’s leading independent all-boys school, Merchiston boasts an impressive Pipe Band, directed by the 5-time Champion bagpiper and composer Kyle Warren. Under Kyle’s tutelage, the music group has competed at local, national and international level, recently taking first prize in the Junior B Grade at the Glasgow Highland Club competition. 

Kyle Warren, Director of Pipe and Drums at Merchiston, said: “It is a privilege to be attending the 26^th anniversary of the NYC Tartan Day Parade with Merchiston’s Pipe Band to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. 

“I am incredibly proud of the boy’s dedication and commitment to rehearsals and practice to ensure the band performs at its best on the international stage. 

“I’m confident this will be a trip the boys will remember forever and can look back on with incredible memories – starting with a flight expertly piloted by Simon Rankin!”