Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums are European Champions

Highland can once again be proud of its young people following the success of several youth pipe bands at the weekend’s European Pipe Band Championships in Forres on Saturday 24 June.

Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drum School (RACPADS) youth pipe band are now European Champions (Novice A Grade) with Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band coming 2nd in Novice B Grade and City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band also giving a great performance. 

Civic Leader for Ross and Cromarty, Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “Well done to our young Ross and Cromarty pipers and drummers who are now European Champions – what a magnificent achievement – they have made many people very proud including me!

“We are fortunate to be able to offer young people across Highland the opportunity to learn a wide variety of musical instruments and group activities such as our youth pipe bands which add social skills and discipline to every individuals’ learning. 

“Well done also to Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band who came 2nd in their grade at Forres – they are consistently performing well as they made British Champions in May this year at Paisley. All our Highland youth pipe bands are a credit to the hard work of all involved and have raised the profile of music tuition in Highland. We are all justly proud of their achievements.”

The bands are all tutored by Highland Council Music Instructors working for the Council's Instrumental Tuition Service and Music Development Officer.

Norman Bolton, Highland Council’s Music Development Officer added: "The hard work at weekly lessons and band practices really pays off when results like this are achieved. Learning to play a musical instrument gives young people so many additional skills and complements their broader education.”

View the RACPADS winning performance at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oydz0MRKUQU&feature=share