One of my Pa's favorite Naval stories concerns his time in Hong Kong in the early 60s.

Admiral Sir David Gregory, the Flag Officer at the time, being a Jock had a piper attached to his staff. Said piper would march around the table at mess dinners, playing a few Scottish airs.

On the occasion of a visit to Hong Kong of the US Fleet, David Gregory turned to the American Admiral and enquired if he had any requests for the piper. "Oh Gee" he replied "I'd just love to hear him play my l'il ol' Kentucky home". The piper muttered into Gregory's ear that he didnae ken it, and was told to just play any old pibroch.

After a few minutes of playing a mournful dirge, the piper ended his tune with a flourish. Silence. Only broken by the American admiral saying "very nice, but it didn't sound much like the version of my l'il ol' Kentucky home I know".

Giles. Mogless in Paris.