Online effort for Lothian youngsters in world's biggest school pipe band event

Reduced to just one category, ‘the innovative Freestyle Class’, the competition will offer pipers the chance to showcase their take of a modern twist to traditional music.

The event, organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, was originally cancelled however the decision was reserved when several school tutors contacted pleaded for an online version of the event “to help keep young players focused and give them some fun in lockdown,” according to convener David Johnston.

The trust will be accepting registrations until February 7. Contestants are to film their entries and submit them by March 14. In addition to organizing the annual event, the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust offers help and cash grants to councils, schools and parent groups for tuition in Scottish state schools. They also have the world’s biggest free bagpipe loan scheme lending instruments to hundreds of young players across the country.

The Championship will be broadcasted online across the weekend starting Friday, March 26. Judges will include some of Scotland’s top musicians such as Gary Innes, box player for Manran and presenter of BBC Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and Craig Munro of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Craig said: “Amazing music can be created and orchestrated online now using apps, and this competition opens up a world-wide audience for the youngsters.” Meanwhile, the public will be able to vote for their favourites in a live People’s Choice event on Sunday, March 28.

For more details of the competition visit the SSPDT website www.sspdt.org.uk.

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