Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf has stepped in at the last minute to allow a pipe band to play at tomorrow's record-breaking piping attempt in Holyrood Park. The head of state said the trip was important for international relations and personally organised 31 flight tickets for the band, who touched down in Edinburgh yesterday. Pipefest 2005, which is being held in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care Scotland, will take place in the playing fields behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse with more than 8000 pipers from around the world expected.

Only at the worlds do you find a pipe band from Pakistan .