MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017: Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band

Congratulations to Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band who have been nominated in Pipe band of the Year sponsored by The Glenturret Single Malt Whisky in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!

We asked Joan Murray of Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
The band was formed in 2007 for pupils at Plockton High School and surrounding Primary Schools to enable them to play at local Gala days and Community events. In 2014 the band decided to implement a project to get Pipe Band Drumming tuition in the local schools. The success of this project enabled the band to start competing in 2015. From entering and winning their first ever competition in the Debut section at the Scottish Schools Championships in 2015 the band have since gone on to have a very successful 3 years in competitions, culminating in winning the British and World Championships this year.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Pipe Bands are an important part of Scottish history and culture. Our band provides a platform for local schoolchildren to be part of the Traditional Scottish Music scene. We aim to provide the best possible quality tuition to ensure our members have the skills and confidence to continue playing after leaving school, whether that is as part of another Pipe Band or in some other aspect of Scottish Traditional Music.

Any particular career highlights?
Out career highlight so far is winning the British and World Championships at Novice Juvenile ‘B’ level this year, just 2 years after playing in our very first competition in 2015. We have also been Scottish Schools Champions in our relevant grade 3 years running (2015/16/17).
We also take great pride in playing at various local community events and were invited by the Camanachd Association to perform at this years MacAulay and Camanachd Shinty Cup Finals.

What are your plans for the future?
Our plans for the future are to continue developing young players and to give them the opportunity to experience being part of a Pipe Band. We plan to create a development competing band to help encourage the younger members of our group and the current competing band will be competing now at the next level up having been promoted by the RSPBA to Novice Juvenile ‘A’. We are constantly recruiting new pipers and drummers and hope that the band will continue to go from strength to strength.
We value our strong links to the local schools and Community and intend to continue playing at and supporting as many local events as possible.

If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre call 0300 300 1210 or to buy online visit www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. Tickets can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band, Siobhan Miller, Tidelines, Paisley Fèis, Snuffbox, The Seamus O’Sullivan Experience, Lori Watson, Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, Songs of Bàrd Phàislig (featuring Gillebrìde MacIlleMhaoil, Sìneag MacIntyre, Màiri NicAonghais, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewan MacPherson, Mhairi Hall, Màiri Nic a Mhaoilein and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.