November 18, 2000.
A dull, dreich day in Edinburgh. The national stadium, Murrayfield, readies to host a rugby union international between Scotland and Samoa.
The contest itself, a 31-8 victory for the hosts, does not live long in the memory banks. Alas, my refereeing performance even less so.
Nonetheless, the afternoon in question never fails to bring back a host of magical memories. Most of all, I recall the spectacular pre-game entertainment. Fireworks certainly, but also the sterling contributions of three combined bagpipe bands.
And so, for the very first time I hear a song that remains my all-time personal favourite. Though quintessentially Scottish, the wildly popular bagpipe tune is originally written and produced in 1982 by two Germans, Herr Roever and Herr Korb.
Highland Cathedral.
The years pass by quickly. I enjoy numerous renditions, some live and many via recordings. From Hong Kong, listening to the final performance of the Royal Police Band, as the Chinese takeover looms. In Galashiels on a wet, windy Remembrance Day. At a sensational performance by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. On “Spirit of the Glen”, an album that wins a Classical Brit award. At too many weddings, funerals and celebrations of life to count.
However, among all the various orchestrations, for me at least, one version stands particularly tall.
Flash forward to the grand finale of a March 2008 musical show in Bremen. Drummers, pipers, brass, and woodwinds, from nine countries come together. Germany, Australia, Austria, Portugal. Sweden, Singapore, South Africa, Belarus, USA. All blend magnificently under the wonderful direction of German Navy Captain Lutz Bammler and in support of ten-year old drummer Kes Kunze. Their work immortalized on You Tube – Highland Cathedral Winnie 9212.
The young drummer literally does not miss a beat. A sole piper, soon supported by the hundreds of other richly talented performers, joins in.
An enchanting melody, before the music swells and soars. Then, an intoxicating mix of unity, power and grace, the tempo and harmony superb.
Throughout, and as the song moves to a rousing conclusion, I feel shivers down my spine. Pure joy. Occasionally, sadness as well, my eyes misting over and tears sliding down my cheeks. Always chills and goosebumps, the music emotional, uplifting, haunting and glorious in equal measure.
In the same vein, just the other day, the director of the Paris Olympics’ closing ceremony notes that “humanity is beautiful when it comes together.”
Unfortunately, the world continues to teeter on the abyss. Indeed, unprecedented disaster looms. The USA, Ukraine, the Middle East, Iran, England, Sudan, Venezuela, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tanzania, to name just a few, all beset with problems.
Note severe climate disruptions, famine, war, rioting, poverty, financial hardship, stock market panic. All on a global scale. Note that violence, torture, uncertainty, greed, anti-migration, feature prominently. That fear, cruelty, death, and destruction, are also too often now an accepted norm. One calamity after another, the shock value almost gone.
Righting the ship will be difficult in the extreme. Crises will continue to deepen.
Still, let us not wallow in the darkness. In pessimism and despair.
Instead, despite all the world’s problems, let us consider the countless daily examples of love, courage and support. Search for every possible positive. Work tirelessly together. Champion respect and reconciliation. Champion hope.
Above all, if and when flashpoints cool, when situations stabilize, when mutual trust and honour return, and they simply must, let us celebrate peace around the globe.
In the interim, if seeking inspiration, listen again to Highland Cathedral. Its lyrics point to the future, with a call to start anew. Revel once more in the energy and electricity, the song to be an anthem for the world thanks to its humanity and strength.
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