You Can't Play Here!

A special birthday present turns out to delight Gregor MacDonald. Bagpipes, so he can be just like Grandad! Dad and Mum tell him he needs to practise, but not in the house! However, the fishermen on the loch do not appreciate his efforts, nor does the farmer with his racing pigeons deep in the countryside. ‘Stop! You can’t play here!’ is a constant refrain which children quickly pick up as Gregor explores the countryside with his wee dog Bert, searching for a safe place to practise. Boy, his dog and his bagpipes stumble on until they find themselves in a beautiful, well-kept garden. A kind lady, in headscarf and accompanied by corgis, tells him her garden would be a perfect place for his practising. Daily visits to the wonderful garden result in proficient bagpiping, and his family are astonished when an invitation arrives for Gregor to lead the 100 pipers along Princes Street, for her Majesty’s birthday procession! An unexpected resolution to an amusing story, just packed with the beauty and wilderness of Scotland, the illustrations in soft watercolour enhancing each event as we follow Gregor. This book should do especially well across the border, but will touch the heart of anyone who loves Scotland!