Archive Hour: Dumbarton and District Pipe Band star in Baltic trade trip

The group was in the capital Tallinn to promote Scotland on both a cultural and business front. And the band attracted widespread media attention, appearing on the TV, radio and in Estonian newspapers.

The event was the largest trade mission ever mounted by Scotland in eastern Europe, with 50 companies attending. It was designed to restore the historic trading links between the two countries which date back to the 14th century.

Iain Lawson, honorary Scottish consul to the Republic of Estonia, commented: “Dumbarton District Pipe Band provided a true taste of Scotland, the tartan and the music were overwhelmingly welcomed by the Estonian people.

“Playing the pipes in Estonia turned some of them into pop stars with a multitude of fans in pursuit. Seriously though, Dumbarton and District fully lived up to their billing and were fantastic ambassadors for Dumbarton and Scotland.”

Iain has created a number if business ventures in Estonia since 1993 when he visited the country as part of Scottish football’s ‘Tartan Army’.

The band would like to thank all their sponsors who financed the trip and also West Dunbartonshire Council who provided them with a gift to present to Tallinn City Council. They would also like to thank Tartu City Council and Friends of Tartu University.