The College of Piping are the fourteenth recipients of Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award. The “Limelight’s” are a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today. The College of Piping are 70 years old this year and have sold over 400,000 copies of their Bagpipe Tutor 1 book – amazing!
We asked Robert Wallace of the College of Piping the following questions:
What is your principle company activity?
For 70 years – 2014 is our 70th Anniversary – we have been the world centre for the teaching of the great Highland bagpipe, Scotland’s national instrument.
When and where did the company first start trading?
1944, Glasgow.
What made you want to work in Scottish culture?
There was a need for teaching, especially amongst disadvantaged youngsters.
Can you tell us of any particular company highlights?
The publication in 1954 of the College’s Tutor 1 book which has gone on to be the biggest selling pipe music book of all time with over 400,000 copies sold to date.
Our magazine the Piping Times was launched in 1948 and has been published every month since and is the world leader in piping journalism.
What are your company’s plans for the future?
We are continuing to spread the bagpipe word and have recently added an Italian version of our tutor book to our catalogue. The book has already been published in French, German and Scots Gaelic. Other
languages to follow. We will continue to teach at home and abroad and for as affordable cost as possible as befits our charitable status.
How will you celebrate receiving Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight award?
We will shout it from the rooftops accompanied by piper….articles in Piping Times on the PT Editor’s Blog and on the College website.
The College of Piping
16-24 Otago St.
Glasgow G12 8JH
Scotland
+44 (0) 141 334 3587
college@collegeofpiping.org
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