published by THE PIPING TIMES - no doubt with tongue firmly in cheek - this is  reproduced here with that Journal’s blessing ....

THESE WICKED PIPERS

The following of course refers to Lowland Pipers, One wonders what goes on at meetings of the Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society.

Central Regional Archive Dept: CH2/1121/1: Gargunnock Kirk Session Minutes 1778 transcript of lost 1704 transcript of lost 1625-58 originals:

Upon the 7th June 1646 years. The which day because of the great abuse at penny bridals by the multitudes of people conveened thereto, for restraining whereof there is an act of the general assembly 1645 recommending the same to all presbyteries and Kirk Sessions within the Kingdom as also because of the lascivious carriage of men and women by promiscuous dancing and playing of pipers, therefore it is ordained that every Bridegroom or Bride shall only have in all time coming every one of them three or four Mess(sic) at the most and that they have no pipers nor dancing and whatsoever fails therein they shall forfeit everyone a dollar for pious uses of penalty.

Upon the 16th Jan, 1648 years

The which day because of the great abuse at bridals of promiscuse dancing of men and women whereupon there doth arise pleas and tumults and many contumacious words and oaths oftentimes to the dishonour of and offence of good christians all which wickedness flows chiefly by the multitude of people called to these bridais and the presence of Pipers; Therefore for removing hereof it is appointed that hereafter the persons married shall every one of them at the most four or five mess under the pain of five punds and there shall no piper be suffered to play under pain of losing their pann (i.e. the pledge deposited before marriage), which they shall lay down when they shall give up their names, and every parochiner that shall be found dancing shall pay for the first fault six shillings and eight pence for the second thirteen shillings and four pence and make their publick repentance.