A literal pipe dream

A Wareham woman is headed to Glasgow, Scotland to represent New England as she plays the bagpipes at the World Pipe Band Championships. 

Beth Butts, who lives in West Wareham, also known as "Beth the Bagpiper," is competing as a member of the Rose and Thistle Ladies Pipe Band, an all-women’s pipe band based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She will be joined by Anne O’Donnell who lives in Freetown. The pair is expected to compete on Saturday, August 15. 

According to Butts, she and O’Donnell are the only New England pipers in the band, which consists of more than 30 women from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. 

“When I found out about this band forming, I was intrigued by the idea of playing with an international group of women,” said Butts. “I’m often met with surprise when people find out that women play the bagpipes. Women faced significant barriers to competing alongside men well into the 20th century, which makes the opportunity to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships as part of an all-women’s band all the more special.”

Band members spent months preparing and collaborating from across the globe, according to Butts. The group will gather in Scotland ahead of the competition to rehearse together.

The World Pipe Band Championships brings in over 8,000 pipers and drummers to compete each year. In 2025, BBC described the championship as the "ultimate battle of the bands."