Youth music initiatives have cause for celebration after being selected to receive a share of grants from the inaugural round of funding distributed by the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
The trust was set up in memory of the 14-year-old from Barra who was one of 21 victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017.
Thirteen groups in total have been awarded a share of the £12,000 funding which is designed to home in and flourish the skills and abilities of young musicians by supporting work currently being undertaken, as well as extending teaching and allowing for the purchase of new equipment.
Annag MacLean, trustee of Eilidh’s Trust and former headteacher of Barra’s Castlebay Community School, said: “These grants are a demonstration of our commitment and intent to support young musicians in their ambitions in Eilidh’s memory.”
Various awards have been made to pipe bands across the Highlands and Islands, including Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band which Eilidh was a member of.
Pipe Major Donald ‘Ban’ MacDonald said they were “very surprised” and “incredibly grateful” adding the money will allow the band to give its members “every opportunity to follow their own musical journeys.”
Other groups to benefit include Mull Mod Club, Feisean nan Gaidheal’s Ceilidh Trail and a special award for Manchester Community Pipe Band to honour their support of the trust.
