The Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust has launched a new funding scheme to support youth music groups across Scotland as the nation prepares to open up following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding was launched just ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack that took 14-year-old Eilidh’s life along with 21 others. Financial support in the form of small grants will help music groups prepare for the eventual move back to in-person teaching, group lessons, public performances and competitive events.
Music groups and organisations are being encouraged to submit funding requests to be considered by the trust by June 30, 2021.
Eilidh’s Trust was established in 2018 in memory of Eilidh MacLeod from the Hebridean island of Barra who died in the Manchester attack on May 22, 2017.
The trust supports music education for young people reflecting Eilidh’s own love of music and her musical ability and enjoyment as a piper with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band. The trust will also manage and maintain a permanent memorial to Eilidh and a garden of remembrance and reflection on Barra.
Suzanne White, founder of Eilidh’s Trust announced the support, saying: “Part of Eilidh’s ethos in life was to be a constant friend and to be there when others needed her. She was a caring and compassionate person who wanted nothing more than to make others feel loved and supported. As we mark four years since we lost our precious Eilidh we want her spirit to live on through her love of music by offering a hand of friendship and support to young musicians.
“We know that many music groups have had a tough time during lockdown and last year we supported several groups to ensure they could continue virtual teaching. As we are now starting to move out of lockdown and towards a greater degree of normality including face to face lessons and public performances, Eilidh’s Trust is keen to ensure youth music groups are supported through this transition.”
Suzanne added: “We are keen to hear from groups of any musical genre from across Scotland that feel small grant support would help their students grow and flourish over the coming months.”
Youth music groups that are keen to be considered for small grant funding should contact Eilidh’s Trust at hello@eilidhstrust.org.uk outlining the following details:
- The group’s background and history
- The nature of the group’s need and how Eilidh’s Trust funding would benefit their young musicians
- The group’s compliance with all regulations for safeguarding and protection of children.
The results of the 2021 New Zealand Invitational Solo Piping Competition, organised and sponsored by the Manawatu Scottish Society, are as follows:
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Greg Wilson (In Praise of Morag); 2. Stuart Easton (Lament for the Earl of Antrim); 3. Campbell Wilson (Lament for King George III).
March, Strathspey, Reel, Hornpipe & Jig – 1. Stuart Easton; 2. Scott Armstrong; 3. Campbell Wilson.
Brendon Eade and Marion Horsburgh judged both events.
The competition took place on Saturday at the Celtic Inn in Palmerston North and was livestreamed over the internet.
Also competing in the competition were Callum Carn, Sebastion George, Liam Kernaghan, Martin McPhee, George Mason and William Rowe.
The results from the online Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival are as follows:
Professional
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Brad Davidson; 2. Joshua Hogg; 3. Daniel Lidgren; 4. Teddy Krogh; 5. James MacHattie; 6. Alastair Murray, Corapolis, Pennsylvania
Judge: Jack Lee.
MSR – 1. Daniel Carr; 2. Teddy Krogh; 3. Alastair Murray; 4. Daniel Lidgren; 5. Joshua Hogg; 6. Stuart Robinson.
Judge: Bruce Gandy.
Hornpipe & Jig – 1. Joshua Hogg; 2. James MacHattie; 3. Katie Buckland; 4. Daniel Carr; 5. Barbara MacDonald; 6. Stuart Robinson.
Judge: Andrew Berthoff.
Grade 1
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Cameron Bonar; 2. Elizabeth Curiskis; 3. Reid Kyrzyk.
Judge: Bruce Gandy.
MSR – 1. Elizabeth Curiskis; 2. Cameron Bonar; 3. Thomas Bruce.
Judge: Jack Lee.
Hornpipe & Jig – 1. Thomas Bruce; 2. Cameron Bonar; 3. Elizabeth Curiskis.
Judge: Bob Worrall.
Grade 2
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Dagmar Pesta; 2. Ronan Terry; 3. Andrea Jones.
Judge: Bob Worrall.
MSR – 1. Andrea Jones; 2. Caleb Bremner; 3. Dagmar Pesta.
Judge: Andrew Berthoff.
Hornpipe & Jig – 1. Ronan Terry; 2. Andrea Jones; 3. Fergus Terry.
Judge: Glenna MacKay-Johnstone.
Grade 3
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Ethan DesChamps; 2. Jack Martin; 3. Emma McTaggart.
Judge: Shaunna Hilder.
2/4 March – 1. Ethan DesChamps; 2. Hannah Focken; 3. Calum MacKinnon.
Judge: Bob Worrall.
Strathspey & Reel – 1. Ethan DesChamps; 2. Jack Martin; 3. Emma McTaggart.
Judge: Glenna MacKay-Johnstone.
Grade 4
Ceòl Mòr – 1. Alasdair Ehlers; 2, Rory Logan; 3. Lou Lanaro.
Judge: Andrew Berthoff.
2/4 March – 1. Emil Flach; 2. Nate Linsley; 3. Gus Meerholz.
Judge: Glenna MacKay-Johnstone.
Slow Air – 1. Taryn Lister; 2. Carl Heaman Warne; 3. Michael Johnson.
Judge: Bruce Gandy.
Grade 5
2/4 March – 1. Jonathon Kalyn; 2. Colin Tighe; 3. Matthew Owen Hunt.
Judge: Shaunna Hilder.
Chanter 2/4 March – 1. Annessa Halldorsson; 2. Connell Campbell; 3. Spencer Roberts.
Judge: Glenna MacKay-Johnstone.
Adult
2/4 March – 1. Dagmar Pesta; 2. Jonathan Graham.
Judge: Andrew Berthoff.
