Finlay MacDonald. Photo: John Slavin.

Finlay MacDonald today acknowledged and reflected on the difficult times he has faced in this his first year as Director of Piping at the National Piping Centre (NPC) in Glasgow, Scotland. The 42-year-old’s upbeat message also looked forward with optimism to 2021.

In his short (just over four minutes) festive video message – below – Finlay took the opportunity to thank his predecessor, Roddy MacLeod MBE, for his huge contribution in building the NPC into the centre of excellence it is today.

Finlay says: “In music and the arts we’ve been hit very badly by the pandemic – like everyone else has – but I’m here really to thank everyone who has supported the NPC throughout this year. It’s been a year like no other.

“… This is a big time of change for us. We’ve had to make some really difficult decisions and that has been painful and difficult but I’m grateful for all the support that we’ve had from the wider music family, the piping family and the traditional music family. … We’ve now adapted and changed and we will get back to the place where we can play the music we love, with the people we love, together in same place at some point, so we have to just remember that.

“… We’ve had a tough year but we’re moving forward. I think were going in an interesting and exciting direction and I look forward to seeing you all, whether it be online or in person in the next wee while.

As well as professionally, 2020 has been a difficult year for MacDonald personally. His father, Iain, died in May followed by his mother in September.

Listen to Finlay’s message below: