Red Hot Chilli Pipers rock Auckland skyline

As Scotland prepares to meet England in their Rugby World Cup pool clash at Eden Park tomorrow night (1.10.2011), the skirl of Scottish pipes hit a high note in Auckland this week.
Astonished tourists, including hordes of expat rugby fans in their team colours, in downtown Auckland yesterday (29.09.2011) lifted their heads as the sound of pipes drifted from the heavenly heights of the Sky Tower - New Zealand’s highest building.

They were rewarded with the sight of kilted Scottish rockers the Red Hot Chilli Pipers piping their way around the exterior perimeter of the tower - though at 192m above street level there was more to be heard than seen from below.

Scotland support

The bagpipe and guitar-toting band from Glasgow, who are no strangers to Murrayfield - Scotland’s national rugby stadium - want to rouse some extra loud support for their favourite team.

Earlier in the day, they had made a surprise appearance in a suburban shopping mall, and over the next couple of days they will headline pre-match events in Auckland and Dunedin.

Tonight - on the eve of the big match - they will appear at the Spirit of Bannockburn party for Scotland supporters and anyone who claims "a smidge of Scottish ancestry". The celebration of all things Scottish at Auckland’s Vector Arena will include entertainment, haggis, neeps and tatties, deep fried Mars Bars and a drop or two of the favourite tipple.

Tomorrow in Dunedin - the centre of all things Scottish in New Zealand - the Chillis will perform at the 5th Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival.

Their eight-day tour will also include concerts in Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Hamilton. Scottish comedian Des McLean will appear with them at four shows.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Described as "sassy, sexy and hugely entertaining", the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a group of talented young musicians who have played all over the world from New York to Beijing.

Formed in 2002, ensemble of pipers, guitarists, keyboards and drummers performs their signature 'Bagrock' sound - a fusion of traditional pipe tunes and contemporary anthems.

Their positive contribution to the popularity of bagpipes has been recognised by some of the biggest names in the bagpipe fraternity.

Group member Kevin MacDonald told the Queenstown Scene that the group has been blown away with the interest in their debut New Zealand tour.

"There has been an unbelievable vibe about our tour from expats via our website," MacDonald said. "The number of Scots contacting us from New Zealand and ordering copies of our albums for the Rugby World Cup is frightening."

Background: Sky Tower

Rising to 328 metres, Auckland's Sky Tower is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular man-made attractions.

Towering over the central city skyline, the Sky Tower is Auckland’s tallest structure and offers breathtaking views for up to 80km in every direction.

Visitors can travel up in glass-fronted lifts to spectacular viewing platforms, take a guided walk around the outside of the pergola at 192 metres above ground, or SkyJump from the Tower to the street below.

There are two restaurants and a café in the tower including Auckland's only 360-degree revolving restaurant.