It is exactly two weeks before the entry deadline for this year’s Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Championships, the world’s largest celebration of school piping and drumming, writes Leslie Wilkinson.
Organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), the annual Championships are part of a broader effort to promote piping and drumming in schools across Scotland.
The Trust has recently awarded funding to Edinburgh City Council to help create two new pipe band tutor roles – with interviews taking place this week. For the first time, students in Edinburgh state schools will be able to learn piping and drumming during school hours, just like other instruments – with the focus on offering provision at Castlebrae and Holyrood primary and secondary schools.
The Trust has played a crucial role in breaking down financial barriers to pipe band participation over the past decade, providing cash grants, internships and free instrument loans as well as tuition.
But back to the Championships! Last year we had a record 75 bands, and now, from Shetland to Stranraer, young musicians are practising hard for the 2025 competition.
New bands from Inverclyde, Strathmore, Perth, Glasgow, and the Highlands will make their debut – a reflection of the SSPDT’s teaching programme, which has co-funded over 60 start-up piping and drumming tutor roles in state schools since the initiative was launched back in 2015.
With the 31st January entry deadline fast approaching, schools across Scotland are invited to join us at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on Sunday, 9th March. The event is open to all, from beginners to seasoned performers.
Sponsors include the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust. The Freestyle competition, sponsored by the Trust, has the top prize of £2,500 for first, and £1500, £1000, £750, £500 for the other places.
Emma Harvey, Principal of Performing Arts at Blairgowrie High School, said: ‘The support and guidance we’ve received from SSPDT has been truly transformative, allowing us to establishing the Strathmore Schools Pipe Band.
‘Thanks to their generous funding, we can offer free tuition to all learners and provide essential equipment like chanters, sticks, pads, drums and pipes. Our pupils have formed a cohesive band and are eagerly preparing for their debut at this year’s Championships.’
Provost Claire Leitch, said: ‘We’re delighted that this prestigious event is once again returning to East Ayrshire and we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young musicians to the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock.
‘With its 500-seat arena and performance spaces, the campus provides the perfect stage for Scotland’s flourishing young pipe band talent.’
Registration and information here.
