The Hong Kong Scottish Piping and Drumming Association (HKSPDA) was established in 2008. Founding members are enthusiasts of Scottish bagpipe music and active performers for local groups. The idea of forming a piping association in Hong Kong was mentioned in an international piping magazine Piping Today published by the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, in 2007; An article covering Hong Kong's piping development included:
"To develop seriously, we need a certified body, affiliated with Scotland. Pipe bands here have no qualifications system or qualified teachers and no competitions system… If parents know that their children can learn piping from a qualified teacher and that the quality can be assured, they will allow and encourage their children to learn."
With contributions and help from a number of supporters, the association was incorporated with its charitable status approved by the Hong Kong SAR government, being the first and only charity aimed at promoting Scottish bagpipe music in Hong Kong.
Since its establishment, the association has secured valuable support from leading musicians and bands in overseas; as well as prominent musicians in Hong Kong. The association will continue to expand its membership by recruiting local bagpipe music lovers and players.
The association believes that to promote Scottish bagpipe music, a multi-dimensional approach has to be adopted. A general recognition of the artistic value of the instrument is one area. That will involve staging quality performances by local and overseas musicians, and competitions to encourage the development of solo pipers locally. Education is another important area. Courses and master classes given by international authorities are some of the options. A system of examinations is a long-term requirement.
The association is planning to launch a wide variety of projects and activities, and the success of these will rely on the support from bands and individual performers, and very importantly the generous patronage of corporates and authorities. We stress that the purpose of the association is and will always be the promotion of Scottish music and associated arts. We hope that piping can build on its important role in ceremonies and public occasions to become a vibrant and prosperous music art form.
To avoid conflict of interest, HKSPDA will not be responsible for referring enquiries about paid performances.