There’s still time for Juvenile and Novice Juvenile bands to apply for grants from the RSPBA’s National Juvenile Pipe Band Fund.
The final decision on the 2018 awards will be made at a separate meeting with Finance Convenor Kenny Crothers at the Association’s AGM on March 9.
Under fund rules bands which received donations in 2017 are ineligible for one year. But bands in receipt of payments before then can apply again.
2017 receipients were Ross & Cromarty Pipes & Drums School, Stirling & District Junior Pipe Band, Tobermory High School, MacKenzie Caledonian and Kintyre Schools.
2016 recipients were 1st Troon BB, City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band, Oban High School, and Sgoil Lionacleit in the Outer Hebrides.
Successful bands in 2015 were Dumbarton & District, Kintyre Schools, Lochalsh Juniors, Lochgelly High, Boghall & Bathgate, and Ross & Cromarty Pipes & Drums.
These 2015 and 2016 bands can now apply again. Grants are generally a few hundred pounds and can be used to pay for tuition costs or band buses etc.
The Fund was established in 2015 to help Juvenile and Novice Juvenile bands in Scotland many of whom struggle to pay for buses to major championship, equipment and teaching.
The fund has been boosted by substantial donations have been received from individuals in the pipe band community and also from Piping Press.
In addition the RSPBA Board of Directors has pledged to add 1% of any annual surplus in their accounts to the fund. With this, and donations, it is hoped the Fund be sustained for the foreseeable future.
- Is your band in need of financial assistance? Click here to download the NJPBF application form (see example below). If you or your company would like to donate to the Fund and help struggling young bands contact RSPBA HQ on 0141 221 5414.