The National Piping Centre has developed and implements a range of policies which are designed to protect the welfare of visitors, artists, volunteers, our staff, our local community and the planet. On this page you will find a short overview and detailed summaries of key policies and procedures.

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 .

Bullying & Harassment

We are overwhelmingly committed to providing a Festival where everyone is safe and never feels threatened, belittled or mistreated in any way. Anyone whose behaviour falls short of our expectations will be challenged and asked to leave the Festival if need be. If you experience or see anything that doesn't feel right to you please alert a member of our team. For a more serious incident we will involve the police if that is appropriate. Our Prevention of Bullying and Harassment policy can be viewed here.

Entry to The Site

As you enter the Festival site you will have your ticket scanned and be issued with a wristband allowing you to access the site and events included in your pass throughout the day. You are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the site for consumption and the use of illegal drugs in or around the site is of course completely prohibited. You should also avoid inadvertently bringing anything onsite that may be used as a weapon - at our staff's discretion exceptions will be made for Sgian Dubhs and similar ceremonial items if you are wearing traditional dress. We may perform random security checks on bags but we will try to keep disruption to a minimum. 

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 2025 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.

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.

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.