Oliver Cathro
Busking bagpiper Oliver Cathro (14) didn't have a lot to say when the Otago Daily Times approached him at Dunedin Railway Station.
He was busy belting out tunes at the time.
Oliver's traditional Scottish sounds proved a hit with the numerous cruise ship visitors, who gathered to photograph and listen to the City of Dunedin Mathieson Pipe Band member at 12.30 yesterday.
Photographers, including an ODT staff member, were literally falling over one another to take pictures of the kilt-clad piper against the heritage backdrop of the railway station.
The Otago Boys' High School pupil performs on the bagpipes "pretty much always" outside the railway station whenever a cruise ship visits the city, he said.
Playing the bagpipes added a touch of flavour and authenticity to Dunedin's Scottish heritage background.
Oliver is fundraising to attend the Australian Piping Competition, which takes place in Ballarat, Victoria, later this year.
A note about the goal often found favour with visitors from across the ditch, he said.
"They're always interesting to meet ... the Australians always want to ask about the trip."
He took up playing the bagpipes about three years ago and busking was a good way to practise while fundraising, he said.
