British Pipe Band Championships debut for Wester Ross young pipers and drummers

Sixty one young pipers and drummers from Wester Ross travelled down to Bathgate on the 29th May to compete at the British Pipe Band Championships.  This event saw the launch of a brand new pipe band created by members of Wester Ross Schools and of the 33 players taking part, 31 of them were competing for the very first time.  

Many of those attending also played as part of Ullapool & District Pipe Band competing for the first time in the higher grade of 4a this year - a big step up in terms of the musical requirements. The band performed extremely well taking home 5th place in a challenging grade.  

Both of these bands are led and tutored by Gary Nimmo, The Highland Council’s Piping Instructor in Wester Ross.  

Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said: “Piping tuition is a very important part of the work carried out under the auspices of Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service and the amount of time and effort which Instructors give to additional activities of this nature is above and beyond anything expected of them.   

“I’m delighted to hear that so many pupils were able to participate in the championships alongside other groups from Highland and much further afield.  Music tuition in general and participation in these activities adds so many benefits to a childs education and we are indeed very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of Instructors across the Council area, in all genres, able to support this aspect of our young people’s development.”

4 Jun 2015