Who Was The Piper of Loos ?

Many heroic pipers in our history have braved battlefiels of the Great War with nothing more than asheepskin bag, drones and a chanter. Scottish history tour guide, Bruce Fummey tells the World War One story of Daniel Laidlaw, The Piper of Loos.

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Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.

As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.

[kayewilson]

It’s 4am Saturday morning here in the middle of the US. This is always my first check. I so look forward to hearing Let me tell you a story.

[FishareFriendsNotFood]

What a hero he was, glad we still keep his story alive to this day

[bobsteele]

The debt of gratitude we owe to the men who fought for us in both world wars knows no bounds. Heroes all. L'est we forget.

[jamesmurdoch]

Must confess to goosebumps hearing you relate Danny Laidlaw's epic story Bruce. I'm a King's Own Scottish Borderer long retired, we never call ourselves Ex or Former Borderers as 'Once A Borderer Always A Borderer' is an unofficial motto of the old Regiment. My heart swells with pride at Danny's memory! XXV!

[thomasjamison]

A young Scottish lad moves to New York City to seek his fortune. Sometime later his mother writes him to inquire how he is getting on. Among other questions, she asks him how he is getting on with his neighbors in the building in which he rents an apartment.
The lad replies, "my neighbors just don't seem to be very friendly. But I don't let it bother me. I just come home from work, go straight up to my apartment and practice my pipes."

[NoOneUNo]

Good morning Bruce, thank you very much for another great story. My grandfather was KOSB and fought at Loos that day and told me about Piper Daniel Laidlow and about the gas attack that didn't work because of windshift. It was the 2nd battle of Ypre. If I remember correctly the KOSB survivors that came back from Gallipoli were back fighting there as well. My grandfather told me the bagpipes gave the lads strength to carry them out and "see them through". I am months younger than you Bruce and was a wee lad when my grandfather started revealing his ww1 stories and experiences in 1971 just months before he died. I wish I had it all down on a tape recorder so I could have fully memorized what my grampa said. And to hear his voice again. Thank you again Bruce for all your abilities and skills sharing Scottish History from across the pond. Hope to meet you and see you for a Tour before long. Best wishes my friend.

[la_old_salt]

Thanks for sharing David Laidlaw's story Bruce. May he rest in peace. God bless, Rob

[heatherdeavalon]

2 30 in the Pacific North West. Good morning, Scotland! ❤

[fhsreelfilms]

You are an amazing storyteller. Thank you for this video about Mr. Laidlaw.

[peterkelly]

How a man can play pipes in gas is mystifying but he did it as a grand son of a Jock (Gordons) on the 11th I stop and remember him and his comrades How much they suffered and still went on. A great story Bruce well done . We will remember them Lest we Forget

[Allastrology]

Love learning about the non hollywood heroes of history. It is inspiring. The Scott's spirit gives me a sort of hope that any ordinary person can make a difference. Thank you Bruce!

[tfcfan]

Only 3 pipers have been awarded the Victoria Cross. You’ve hit on 2 and the third is George Findlater, Gordon Highlanders, at the Heights of Dargai.

[swampbucker]

Proud to share this name, and genetics.

[iancolemansr]

Coffee is on me. Keep up the good stories Bruce look forward to your adventures.

[charlesarmstrong]

What a great bit of history. Borderer`s are indeed stout men. In deep gratitude and sound memory we remember their bravery and sacrifice. Thanks for this Bruce.

[RZmedia]

Lovely story and nice to see he was finally commemorated in a proper manner.

[traildogisla]

Thanks Bruce, sat bulling my shoes for parade tomorrow with my pipe band

[StewartCoupar]

Hi,
Yet another great video. His medals are in fact on display in the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers street, Edinburgh. Think they are on the top floor, before you go on the roof terrace.
There was at least one other Piper known as the Piper of Loos, he was David Simpson, from Fife. He served in the 2nd Battalion, the Black Watch. There was even a song composed about him! Sadly, he was killed during the battle.

[esquare-qx]

What a terrible (and, unfortunately, not uncommon) situation for troops to find themselves in as a result of poor advice and inadequate planning--and what bravery! Mankind is a very mixed bag. Thank you for sharing this story.

[arthur_p_dent]

Many years ago when I was on holidays in Scotland, on a daytrip to the Isle of Mull, during a brief visit at the toilet, some guy with a kilt on played the bagpipe - right next to the basins. It was very loud, only 2 or 3 metres away from him.

For some reason, this is the first thing I had to think about when I read "piper of Loos".