A little bit softer now

Loud pipes save lives, the saying goes.

Nonetheless, British army pipers are to be curbed by a safety code:

Soldiers learning to play the bagpipes have been told to limit their practice sessions to only 24 minutes a day, or 15 minutes when indoors.

Pipers will also have to wear ear plugs under the new guidelines brought in by health and safety officials.

The advice, aimed at preventing soldiers from suffering hearing problems, was issued after a study by the Army Medical Directorate environmental health team.

Tests showed that outdoors the sound of bagpipes could reach 111 decibels, slightly louder than a pneumatic drill. Indoors, the instrument could reach 116 decibels, or as loud as a chainsaw.

The Telegraph raises a skirl of protest in an editorial: "The pipes fall silent."

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Somehow, these Highland veterans of Sevastopol don't look as if they'd have been much for occupational safety regulations.

A few more vintage piping images, via Scots at War:

Piper E. J. Dawson of the 7th Black Watch

The Black Watch celebrating New Year's, WWI

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

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In the naval realm, Basil Seal makes some worthy recommendations on casting Aubrey-Maturin.

He suggests Brendan Gleeson as Jack, and for Stephen, an actor named Michael Wincott who does have the right look for the part.