Final update on Pipeline Petition

Dear friends, pipers, drummers and supporters,

I am writing the final update to this petition to attempt to save Pipeline on BBC Radio Scotland.

Those of you who have been following the developments will know now, that the BBC have pushed ahead with their wholesale cuts to Pipeline, as well as the Jazz Nights and Classics Unwrapped programmes on BBC. They have announced that they are replacing Pipeline with another programme. 

Perhaps as they have signalled themselves, the time has come for the BBC to step away from its public service remit, especially given the massive shifts in the media landscape over the past 15 years or so. Whatever, I'm sure we will watch with interest to see where BBC Scotland ends up. 

I am delighted however to bring you the news that Gary West, who has presented the programme for the last 21 years has decided to step out on his own into the brave new world of podcasting. He needs our support--not least because he's doing this for the whole piping and drumming community. He intends to broadcast his new podcast independently and has used his celebrated catch-phrase, 'enjoy your piping' as the title of the new show:

https://enjoyyourpiping.buzzsprout.com/

I've already subscribed--a tiny amount per month. I'm writing to encourage everyone who signed this petition to head over there and check out his new podcast. Perhaps this is now where the piping and pipe band world will share our art. 

I'd like to thank everyone who signed this petition, and particularly Finlay MacDonald and Tommy Smith who worked with me to try to change the direction at the BBC. 

I hope to catch up with some of you this summer. 

all the best,

Simon McKerrell. 

Here is Gary's forwarding address!:

https://enjoyyourpiping.buzzsprout.com/