Minister to probe pipe band ban

Mr Murphy promised to "get to the bottom" of the matter

The Scottish Secretary has promised to find out why Pakistani officials and musicians hoping to visit Scotland were denied entry visas to the UK.

Jim Murphy told BBC Scotland he would find out why the UK Border Agency had taken the decision.

It has prevented 30 members of Lahore Pipe Band from competing in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

A trade delegation from the city, which is twinned with Glasgow, has also been refused visas.

Mr Murphy said he had asked officials to "get to the bottom" of the circumstances surrounding the visa decision, and if possible, get the pipe band to Scotland in time for this weekend's world championship.

Scotland 'embarrassed'

The decision by the UK Border Agency had already sparked a political row.

Culture Minister Mike Russell said the Scottish Government was in touch with the UK Border Agency to discover the details of the case and do what it could to help.

Glasgow Hillhead councillor Hanzala Malik, executive member for the city council's international affairs, said the decision was "ludicrous", had "embarrassed" Scotland and would cost the city revenue.

Glasgow MSP Anne McLaughlin branded the decision "a disgrace" and called for visas to be granted immediately.

The UK Border Agency said all visa requests were considered on merit and individuals refused were able to apply again at any time with new evidence to support their application.

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