Mad Scottish Piper is Hit in Italy

He Saved the Lives of Dozens

A late lamented bagpiper and war hero is being feted in Italy. David “Mad Piper” Kirkpatrick  who was in the wartime SAS has become a cult hero  in Albinea and the Italian Celtic folk group, yes yes there are such things , the Modena City Ramblers have released a song dedicated to him;  entitled The Brave Scottish Piper.

The Brave Scottish Piper

In Operation Tombola he was parachuted behind enemy lines, naturally in a kilt and with pipes, in northern Italy He added the skirl of the pipes to a raid on Nazi forces in the town of Albinea. It also convinced the Nazis that it was an entirely British raid at a time when the Germans would execute 10 locals for every Nazi if partisans were involved. And of course they were many partisans involved in the raid.  Thus he saved many local lives.

Tributes Paid

The mad piper died earlier this year aged 91 in South Ayrshire. but now his life and times are being celebrated by a cult following in Albinea. Italian fans are making pilgrimages to his grave, publishing books in his honour and writing songs dedicated to the man they call “un poeta guerriero” — a poet warrior. The mayor of Albinea sent a telegram to his funeral and there is even talk of a museum being built in his honour. There is even an Italian-run Facebook page full of tributes to the Mad Piper.

Raise a Tankard

 As you know I am somewhat crackers about the pipes and we don’t have anything specific to Mr Kirkpatrick even though we did have a lovely paperweight from those delightful people at Caithness Glass, the Lone Piper, which is unfortunately out of stock - and you aren’t having mine! So instead I invite you to raise a tankard, not a glass to the bravery of this Scottish Lion. It’s on special.

https://www.jamespirie.com/pewter-tankard-1-pint-scottish-lion.html