Safeguarding and Welfare 

Reporting an Incident

If you have experienced something or witnessed something that the festival team should know about please complete our incident reporting form here.

Everyone is Welcome 

The National Piping Centre and Piping Live!  is committed to ensuring that everyone attending music events in our venue feel safe, respected, and supported at all times. Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the core of the event planning and delivery.

Respect for Others 
We operate a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and any form of gender-based violence. All attendees, staff, performers, and partners are expected to uphold this standard and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment. We actively encourage a culture of respect, where everyone looks out for one another and feels empowered to speak up if something is not right.  Reports of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and sensitively.
Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can fully enjoy live music experiences without fear, and where wellbeing is prioritised at every stage.

Anti Racism

We are looking to create an environment where those attending and taking part in our Festival fully reflect the society we live in. We know that under-representation and marginalisation of people from black and minority ethnic communities has been the reality for too long. That is why we have prioritised addressing this within our Anti Racism Policy which you can read here .

Entry to The Site

You can find out all about Entry to Site, what you can bring in and more at our FAQ page here

Environmental Sustainability

The Festival's approach to sustainability is evolving in line with emerging needs and growing understanding. We work with a range of partners to fully understand our environmental responsibilities and identify the steps we need to take to limit any negative impacts. While we will always look to make more progress, our Environmental Sustainability Commitment 2026 outlines the concrete steps we are taking during this year's Festival.

Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that Piping is and should always be for everyone.We are working with a wide range of partners to develop and maintain a diverse, inclusive community which connected by the benefits offered by the living Piping tradition. Piping Live! is a superb opportunity to ensure that Piping is accessible to all and for the benefit of all. Realising this opportunity sits at the heart of the design and development of the Festival.. You can find out more about the National Piping Centre approach to equalities, diversity & inclusion here.

Fair Work First

The National Piping Centre is committed to Fair Work principles and our policies and processes reflect this commitment. These seek to ensure that everyone who works with us has respect, opportunity, an effective voice, security and fulfillment at work. you can read our Fair Work Action Plan here

First Aid & Quiet Station

St Andrews First Aid will be on site all week to provide first aid if it is required. Our team will be able to direct you to our first aiders or bring them to you if you need them. We will also have a designated quiet station onsite for anyone who requires some privacy (for example for baby feeding) or who just needs some time for calmness.

Lost Children 

If you are with a child under 12 they will be issued with lost child wristband as they enter the site. This will allow them to be quickly reunited with you in the event that they do get lost on site. We will also give you some details about the process of reuniting parents and carers with lost children. If you are with a child 12 and over and you would like them to have a lost child wristband that will be no problem for us.

Period Products

Free period products will be available in all Women's toilets within The National Piping Centre and in the portaloos outside on the festival site. 

Photography/Videography 

There will be official photographers, videographers and social media content creators on site across the festival. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let a team member know. 

Respecting Our Neighbours

We have been engaging with our neighbours ahead of the Festival in consultation with the Dundasvale Community Council. In July we provided all local residents with information about the Festival and our plans to minimise disruption. We plan to do the same with local businesses, including those who trade in Buchanan Street where we will have bands playing. We have invited all local residents to join us during the Festival and are delighted that a significant number plan to do so. Nonetheless we acknowledge that people living nearby and those living close the areas where bands practice for Piping Live! and the World Championship may experience some disruption  to their routines. In partnership with Glasgow Life we will share and reinforce guidance with all bands regarding considerate practice. We will also adhere strictly to licensing requirements and considerate practice in and around the Festival site.

Safeguarding of Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults

At Piping Live! we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding. Safeguarding is about protecting the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals—especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults—and ensuring they are safe from harm, abuse and neglect. It is a fundamental part of creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to participate fully. We will have nominated members of staff on site at all times who are designated child protection contacts. You can view the National Piping Centre's Safeguarding Policy here

Security & Safety

We will have security staff on site at all times for visitors' safety. We have carried out an extensive risk assessment and are taking a range of steps to ensure everyone enjoys a safe festival. We look to visitors to alert our staff and volunteers if they see or experience anything that does not feel right.  We also ask all our visitors to take care of their belongings at all times.