A Highland pipe band has been given a health warning after it was found to be making more noise than a jet engine.
Members of the Wick Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe Band are being advised to wear ear protectors to prevent permanent hearing damage.
The warning comes after an audiologist visited a recent band practice as part of Healthy Highland Week.
The pipes were recorded at 108 decibels, but they were outdone by the snare drums which hit 122 decibels.
The level is noisier than the sound produced by a jet engine at take-off.
We were aware that the pipes and drums were loud which was why we contacted the audiology department at Raigmore Hospital
Health and safety laws dictate action needs to be taken if noise levels exceed 90 decibels and the band has been warned that members face a serious risk of lasting hearing damage without ear protection.
Band secretary John Bogle said they were concerned by the measurements.
He said the 40 band members and piping and drumming pupils had been advised to consider buying ear plugs designed for musicians.
However, since the story broke about the noise generated by the band, a health products company has offered to gift it specialised ear plugs.
Mr Bogle said: "We were aware that the pipes and drums were loud which was why we contacted the audiology department at Raigmore Hospital."
The jet engine was one of the examples the audiologist gave, he said.
"Not one of the big Boeings, but one of your jets that would fly into Wick Airport. One of your smaller ones, but that's still pretty loud," he added.
The band was established in 1919, when it was called the Wick Comrades of the Great War Pipe Band, and its uniform represents the original colours of the Seaforth Highlanders.
Originally Posted by beloitpiper
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