Piping Hot

Bagpipes a threat to the environment (and we’re not talking noise pollution)

MARC HORNE

THEY were once outlawed for being used as seditious weapons of war. Now, bagpipes have been blasted as an environmental menace.
Over-intensive logging means that the African wood used to make Scotland’s national instrument faces being wiped out.
As part of the campaign, Scots are being asked to fund the planting of “bagpipe trees” in a bid to atone for the environmental damage.
Traditionally the chanter on the bottom of Highland pipes, which is used to create the melody, was made from native woods such as bog oak.
But Scottish mariners who travelled to Africa in the 18th century returned with supplies of African Blackwood, which proved to be far more resilient and produced a sweeter sound.
Since then the species, known as Mpingo in Swahili, has been a staple component of most quality pipes.

This article: New Scotsman

Last updated: 02-Dec-07 01:14 GMT

Diesely Done

New firm makes biodiesel from cooking oil

MICHAEL BLACKLEY BUSINESS REPORTER
WHILE their purchase usually equates to a guilty pleasure, the occasional fish supper might soon be the menu choice of motorists everywhere.
Indeed, if one new company has its way, becoming a good customer of your local chip shop might not just fill an empty stomach but also help you to power your car.
In a first for Scotland, BioFuels4u, which is set to open in Haddington, will soon provide motorists in the Lothians with the ability to turn chip fat into fuel.
Despite a watchdog’s concerns, the company insists biodiesel can be safely produced from standard household cooking oil and the fuel used in any post-1992 diesel car.
However, safety groups have warned the process of producing biodiesel can be dangerous.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) points to a recent statement by the Health and Safety Executive that “advises against the home manufacture of biodiesel using domestic or other unsuitable facilities and by people who are not trained in handling dangerous substances”.
This article: New Scotsman

Last updated: 30-Nov-07 12:24 GMT