Island pipers to play part in D-Day anniversary

Solo pipers will be playing Highland Laddie

A Manx-based bagpiper has said he is "honoured" that the final pipes in a countdown to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings will be heard across the Isle of Man.

Alistair Lothian is one of eight solo pipers from Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums that will be playing the piece Highland Laddie for the final 10 days leading up to the anniversary.

That will follow pipers doing the same in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

The initiative has been organised to commemorate Canadian piper Bill Millin, who played bagpipes as he led the 1st Commando Brigade ashore on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944.

Organiser Bruno Peek said his actions had "lifted spirits and increased determination" among his fellow soldiers.

Mr Millan's son, John Millan, began the relay on 19 March in Nottinghamshire, with his son Jacob taking over on 29 March in Norfolk.

Beacons

The D-Day landings are considered one of the greatest triumphs by the Allied forces during World War Two.

The assault saw 156,000 troops land on the coast of France and led to the liberation of the whole of the northern part of the country.

Mr Lothian, who is pipe major for Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, said members of the band were "delighted" to be supporting the countdown.

He said between 1939 and 1945, "thousands of military personnel" had come to the Isle of Man to train and bases had been set up "all over the island".

As well as Manx soldiers who fought in Normandy, three Isle of Man Steam Packet vessels were involved in the D-Day landings.

From 28 May to 6 June, the pipers will play each morning at different locations across the island.

That will be followed by 80 beacons being lit across the British Isles, including on the Isle of Man, at 21.15 BST on 6 June.