North Lanarkshire Schools’ Pipe Bands are taking part in National Tartan Day in New York this April and have launched a fundraising appeal to help towards equipment and travel costs.
Pupils, parents and staff have already raised thousands of pounds through a range of activities but are hoping that a wider appeal will add to this amount.
Sir Billy Connolly will lead the April 6 parade as Grand Marshal with approximately 1500 participants and 30,000 spectators.
The total cost of the trip for the band is estimated at around £80,000 and the council has agreed to underwrite any funding shortfall.
Ross Cowan, Pipe Major, said: ‘It’s incredible to think we’ll be taking part in the Tartan Day Parade in New York in just a few weeks – what an unbelievable experience it will be for all our talented and dedicated pupils.
‘We’ve had a terrific response to our fundraising efforts from local businesses and people in our communities.
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‘And now we are widening the appeal to ask anyone who would like to support us to consider donating towards the trip – either through our just giving page or by contacting us directly. Any support would be hugely appreciated.’
Both North Lanarkshire’s Novice and Juvenile bands will march down 6th Avenue in the annual celebration of Scottish heritage.
In 2018 the Novice Juvenile B schools’ pipe band won the ‘Champions of Champions’ title for the best performances across all five major piping championships.
They won three championships: the Scottish, British and European and narrowly missed a fourth one at the Worlds.
And the Juvenile band’s fifth place in their category in 2018 was the highest finish by any state school pipe band in Scotland.
Calderhead High School pupil and band member Mackenzie Forrest said: ‘It’s going to be an absolutely amazing experience performing in America with my band mates.
‘We’d be really grateful for any donations people or businesses could provide.’
Anyone wishing to donate to the band can do so by Just Giving, or by contacting Jim Park, Head of Music Instruction on 01236 812220 or emailing parkj@northlan.gov.uk
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