SCOTTISH MPs celebrated yesterday as the ban on bagpipes at the Rugby World Cup was lifted.

SNP MP for Livingston Hannah Bardell, who had moved an early day motion in Parliament against the cultural instrument’s inclusion in the list of banned items, welcomed the news that there has been a change of heart ahead of Scotland’s opening match against conquering Japan in Gloucester yesterday evening.

There has been controversy over the decision to include bagpipes on a list of restricted items at the tournament that saw it listed alongside oversized hats, big umbrellas and vuvuzelas.

It was described earlier this week as ridiculous and “disadvantageous” by David Sole, the former Scotland rugby captain who led the nation to a famous grand slam in 1990. The bagpipes were famously banned at the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Commenting, Hannah Bardell MP said: “This is a welcome move following calls from the SNP — and a start to getting the ban lifted.

“The Rugby World Cup is a celebration of sport, culture, togetherness and unity — in the spirit of the competition, this ban should never be in place. I remain hopeful however that the World Rugby authorities will return to their senses before Scotland’s next game and lift the ban on fans.”