Ann Bates lives in Broughty (pronounced Brotty) Ferry in Scotland and says she was overwhelmed to hear Hastings District Highland Pipe Band performing as part of International Bagpipe Day on Port Macquarie's Town Green on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ann, who is a regular visitor, says she feels very much at home in Port Macquarie.
With the pipe band warming up in the background, Ann said she felt a strong connection to Australia.
"Lachlan Macquarie is buried in Scotland. I feel a real connection to these shores," she said.
"I've been here a couple of months and will be going home in April.
"I have several friends here and love this area - if only to escape the Scottish winter.
"Everyone has been really friendly and lovely.
"When I realised that this event was happening, I thought I would come down and hear some bagpipes and take some photos," she said.
She says Australia, in particular Port Macquarie, and Scotland have some very close links.
When you consider the history - despite Scotland being on the other side of the world - and when you talk to people, nearly everyone has some kind of connection or association, she said.
"I can only imagine what it must have been like for those early convicts when they arrived in Port Macquarie from the other side of the world," she added.
Former Orange residents Nancy and Bob Trounce said they were drawn to Town Green because of their Scottish backgrounds.
"We have always loved the bagpipes. I guess it is the sound that really gets to you and just plays on the kinship from way back when," Mr Trounce said.
The couple nominated Amazing Grace as their favourite piece on the bagpipe.
Mr Trounce said he could never escape his Scottish heritage.
"What can you expect when you are named Robert Bruce Trounce," he added.
Pipe band spokesperson Jim Turnbull said the band would normally practice each Monday night at St Joseph's Primary School but during daylight savings they would be on Town Green on the first Monday of the month.
"We would draw a crowd (for the Town Green practice session) with people coming down with their chairs and rugs and enjoying the music," he said.
The band was performing as part of International Bagpipe Day.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.