New qualifications will set national standards for Scottish bagpipes and pipe-band drumming.

The National Progression Awards and Professional Development Awards will “maintain and enhance Scotland’s position at the heart of this form of Scottish traditional music”, say the organisers.

The new NPAs and PDAs were launched last week by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board.

Alistair Aitken, interim chairman of the PDQB, said: “It makes sense to have a single qualifications structure in the interests of simplicity, uniformity and consistency of standards. More people can now be encouraged to take up piping or pipe-band drumming, as they will be able to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification.”