George Cook celebrates all things Scottish

George Cook SUSAN POWELL BROWN / FLORIDA WEEKLY January marked the birthday of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns. In celebration of his life, lyrics and poetry, English speakers around the globe gathered through the month for Burns Suppers, complete with the traditional fare of haggis, women and whisky.

And let’s not forget the bagpipes; you can bet George Cook won’t.

Mr. Cook’s fascination with Scottish traditions began when he was a boy of 11, when, as he says, it “dawned” on him his maternal grandmother was an immigrant. She came to the U.S. from Scotland at age 13 with her widowed mother and three sisters. Having worked in the woolen mills of Paisley, Scotland, they were afforded a chance to come to America in exchange for working in a New York carpet factory. The women worked off their debt, married and raised their families here in the land of opportunity.

As a youngster, Mr. Cook recalls visiting his grandmother’s house where the rich sounds of bagpipe music were often heard from her record player. She also took him and his brother to the Highland Games in upstate New York; they watched the festivities emblematic of their Scottish heritage, which included bagpipes, kilts, traditional dance and events such as the caber toss, stone put and the Scottish hammer throw.

Thus began Mr. Cook’s love affair with the bagpipes and all things Scottish. Nonetheless, with no access to bagpipes in his boyhood, more than 30 years lapsed before he learned to play.

After he rediscovered a long forgotten box of childhood treasures, passion for his Scottish roots reignited. He purchased his first set of bagpipes when he was 45 years old and learned to play from a young player in Fort Myers. He says he joined a piper band without knowing how to play the first note. (Turns out pipers are a very affable bunch; no audition required — just a desire to join and willingness to learn.)

“I wasn’t prepared for the sheer physicality of this thing,” he says, gesturing the bagpipes resting under his left arm. “It’s a physically daunting instrument for the beginner,” he adds. “It takes a lot of wind.”

Peculiar to bagpipes, the sound is continuous. With other instruments, Mr. Cook explains, “There’s a direct connection between the breath you blow and the sound you make.” Learning to play the bagpipes is often disconcerting to the beginner, he adds, because the sound made is indirect: the piper blows into the bag, and the bag blows into the pipe when squeezed.

Another unusual characteristic of the bagpipes is the absence of a volume control. Consequently, pipers can’t separate or accent the same note. Instead, they embellish with grace notes, which create a chirping sound.

Although rumored by some to be “the best piper in Southwest Florida,” Mr. Cook is quick to deny such accolades. Regardless of who is correct, as major piper, band president and business manager for the Lee County Pipes and Drums Band, there is no denying Mr. Cook’s dedication to his craft.

Burns Suppers are a special part of celebrating that craft.

“When the Scottish came to the U.S., they would bring two things: their Bible, and a book of Burns poetry,” Mr. Cook says.

Robert Burns enjoyed a colorful social life; he liked his friends, his whisky and, despite being married, the company of women. Prolific in more than one sense, he wrote hundreds of poems and lyrics and fathered more than a dozen (mostly illegitimate) children.

Although Mr. Burns himself didn’t wear a kilt or play the bagpipes, those who celebrate him are confident he’d be proud of the 200-year

tradition held in his honor.

Mr. Cook describes in vivid detail the rituals common to these suppers:

bagpipes, the opening address, the presentation of the haggis, readings, toasts and the Immortal Memory, in which an invited guest gives a short speech on the importance of Robert Burns. Drinking and a hearty rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” are also integral to every Burns Supper.

Mr. Cook lives in Fort Myers with

his wife, Lorraine. He retired from The

News-Press four years ago, after 24 years in the circulation department. 