THE sounds of the pipes are now a little stronger in Perthshire thanks to a £4000 grant awarded to a leading pipe band.
The money granted to Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band is aimed at helping to remove financial barriers to participation.
It has been awarded by the Enchanted Forest Community Trust which is now encouraging other community groups and charities to apply for financial help before applications close at the end of this month.
Tracey Cudworth of Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band said the grant would help ease pressure caused by the cost of living crisis which is continuing to bite.
The 2024 season saw the band perform at 12 major events, including the Blair Atholl Gathering, Pitlochry Games, the Blair Atholl Remembrance Parade with the Atholl Highlanders and the Avenches Tattoo in Switzerland for the second year running.
However, with the band based in a rural area, travel costs remain a major challenge, exceeding £3600 last year alone. An additional £1000 was used to cover uniforms and equipment, ensuring that all members, regardless of financial situation, could participate.
“No-one should feel excluded from taking part in our long-standing traditions of bagpiping and drumming,” said Cudworth.
“Thanks to the Enchanted Forest Community Fund, we’ve been able to support our members with essential travel and kit, allowing them to focus on their love for music and performance rather than the costs involved.
“The band continues to be an amazing advertisement of our Scottish culture to locals, visitors and tourists alike.”
She added: “The band is a close-knit family, and we support and encourage all ages and abilities.
“It is such an inclusive positive environment which supports, nurtures and helps build self-confidence of our members, giving a strong sense of achievement and sense of belonging.
“We’re very grateful for every donation given to us as a charity.”
Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said the band “embodied” the spirit of community and cultural preservation that the fund was designed to support.
“Their commitment to inclusion and accessibility ensures that Scottish musical traditions will remain strong for future generations,” she said.
“We encourage other charities and CICs operating in Highland Perthshire to apply for funding up to £10,000 and make a difference to their own communities.”
To download an application form, visit www.enchantedforest.org.uk. Completed application forms should be returned no later than March 28.
