THEY have stirred emotions around the globe for centuries – but now the bagpipes have been banned from a major Canadian city for being too noisy.

Officials in Vancouver have barred pipers from striking up a tune at outdoor spots despite objections from locals, expatriates, musicians and even the city mayor.

Details of the ban emerged after busker Kyle Banta applied for a permit and spotted the list of barred instruments on the official city website.

The 22-year-old has spent the past two years busking on streets around Vancouver dressed in his kilt.

The award-winning musician – who has previously busked in Scotland – said: "I was really disappointed because my favourite thing is to play the pipes.

"To listen to someone who has played for 14 years and won the major competitions in North America should be a treat.

"Bagpipes aren't like a flute or a guitar. They are already amplified, so there is no way you can turn them down."

Mr Banta normally spent each summer belting out jigs and Highlands reels in a bid to earn extra spending money.

The university student also performed his own compositions and regularly attracted crowds of locals and tourists.

City engineering department officials claimed the move had been sparked by noise concerns and as well as bagpipes, they have also banned bongos, drums and tambourines.

Opponents hoping to overturn the ban have a powerful ally in their corner as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is a proud Scot

Mr Robertson, recently sworn in for a second term wearing a kilt, has vowed to oppose the move.

The tuba-playing official has revealed the ban will face tough opposition from the city council, dominated by his Vision Vancouver Party.

He said: "My first reaction is that a complete ban on bagpipes and percussion instruments across the city is ridiculous and culturally insensitive.

"Buskers play a very important role in making Vancouver's streets lively and dynamic, particularly in our vibrant downtown.

"The clans won't stand for it. I have asked city staff to review the issue."

Another man who is fighting the ban is Jack Lee, the pipe sergeant with six-time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band.

He added: "To ban bagpipes is so short-sighted. They are one of the greatest and oldest instruments in the world. Anyway, bagpipes are not really that loud.

"When my next-door neighbour starts his lawnmower, it's far louder than I would be if I blew my bagpipes up.

"They bring a lot of pleasure to a lot of people."

Rob MacNeil, president of the BC Pipers Association, admitted it was not the first time a bagpipe ban had sparked trouble.

He told how a busker was arrested in 1943 by Vancouver police over his playing – and jailed for six months.

He was finally cleared by a court ruling and awarded $150 compensation.

Mr MacNeil, who has been playing the pipes since he was 10, has never heard of a bagpipe ban elsewhere in Canada.

He said: "I think it should be reversed. I've seen busking in so many cities around the world.

"When it's done properly – so it basically respects the instrument, and the national dress and the audiences and the surrounding businesses – it is a valuable thing.

"A lot of people like to see the entertainment that pipers can provide."

Busker Mr Banta added: "For me, the mature and responsible thing to do is wait and hope the bylaw is changed and the ban is lifted,.

"I really believe it was a wrong move for the city.

"Vancouver is a very multicultural city and to ban some wonderful instruments completely is no way to address an issue.

"I do agree that the noise should be under control. I do enjoy playing and lots of people enjoy hearing it.

"Unfortunately, not everyone wants to hear it – but that's not really fair to the people who do enjoy listening. All I can really do is wait."

A Vancouver Engineering Department spokesman confirmed they would review the ban following the protests.