In the heart of Glasgow, The National Piping Centre (NPC) continues to nurture the next generation of pipers and drummers through its dynamic Youth and Communities programme. As Director of Piping, Finlay MacDonald oversees this vital strand of the Centre’s work, which has evolved significantly in recent years. “We’ve built a real ecosystem here,” Finlay explains, “one that spans from grassroots beginners right up to advanced performers. It includes the National Youth Pipe Band, outreach initiatives, trainee tutors, and our expanding network of piping clubs. What’s exciting is how it all interconnects – many of our tutors and staff, like David Shedden and Emma Hill, have come through our own degree programme, creating a cycle that sustains and grows the piping community.”
This broadened vision began taking shape well before recent staff changes, driven by a desire to make piping more accessible and inclusive. With the departure of Steven Blake after five years as Director of the National Youth Pipe Band, the role expanded to encompass the entire Youth and Communities team. Enter Laura-Beth MacCrimmon as the new Head of the team, bringing a fresh perspective from her background as a performing musician. Though not a competitive piper herself, Laura-Beth’s deep respect for the tradition – woven into her family life – positions her ideally to facilitate growth. Laura-Beth has previously been in the position of a freelance musician, traditional music educator and events coordinator with a background in administrational roles. She is best known for her mandolin playing, composing and singing in Kinnaris Quintet, From The Ground with piper Ali Hutton and The Shee. “I’m here to support what’s already thriving and explore new opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” she says. “It’s about using music to build skills, community, and belonging, with pipes and drums as the vehicle. I’m excited to learn from this talented team and help realise their visions. My role focuses on facilitating what’s happening, managing the day-to-day, and broadening our schemes with a creative edge. I’ve spent years in music as a performer, so I understand the world deeply, and while I’m not out to make sweeping changes, I love drawing on my different background to spot ways we can improve – whether that’s helping staff develop their ideas or creating inclusive paths for more diverse participants.”
At the core of the programme is the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland (NYPBS), now under the musical direction of David Shedden. Far from a traditional competing ensemble, the NYPBS offers an annual educational journey for players aged 10 to 25, emphasising performance, theory and fun in equal measure. “Think of it as a year-long programme where kids can return as often as they like,” David notes. “We added a junior band to the existing senior and development groups, opening doors to younger talents who might otherwise wait years to join. It’s all about practical, engaging learning – baking in music theory through hands-on sessions that keep everyone inspired.”
Sustainability has been key to the band’s longevity. For the first time, a modest fee structure has been introduced, balanced by a robust access fund that includes bursaries for tuition, travel, and instruments. “This makes it fairer than ever,” David adds. “We’re making it more equitable across our Youth and Community projects, ensuring access to all. And with funding from Creative Scotland and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s Traditional Arts Project (TTAP), we’re on solid ground to keep expanding.” The results speak for themselves: this year’s concert features music from Laura-Beth and Ali Hutton’s album From the Ground, themed around nature and sustainability, while the band kicks off 2026 with a high-profile performance alongside Skerryvore at Celtic Connections tomorrow, January 17, at the Emirates Arena.
Complementing the NYPBS are the Community Clubs, coordinated by Emma Hill with support from Sophie Stringer. What started as a small weekend gathering at the NPC – just seven or eight kids in its first term under Ailis Sutherland’s lead – has blossomed into a network reaching far beyond the Centre’s walls. “We now run four clubs in Glasgow: our original weekend sessions plus community hubs in Ibrox, Pollokshields, and Castlemilk,” Emma says. “And we’re thrilled to expand outside the city, launching in Leith this Saturday with nearly 20 sign-ups already, followed by Aberdeen in April.”
Targeted at ages 7 to 17, the clubs welcome beginners and those with some experience, often splitting sessions to cater to different levels. “It’s about providing opportunities,” Emma emphasizes. “We supply instruments, offer free or discounted places through our access scheme, and even help with purchasing chanters for committed participants. We’ve seen real progression – one club member has joined the NYPBS, and we’re collaborating with local groups like the new Castlemilk Pipe Band to foster community growth.” Backed by a team of 13 tutors, many from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the clubs deliver engaging lessons complete with warm-up games and resources, training the next wave of educators in the process.
This holistic approach isn’t just about producing competitive pipers; it’s about sparking joy, building friendships, and diversifying the piping world. As David puts it, “Whether someone masters complex tunes or simply plays at family gatherings, the real win is the sense of community and fun.” With The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Tattoo Traditional Arts Project (TTAP) and Creative Scotland’s support enabling this outreach, the NPC is ensuring piping thrives for generations to come. Tickets for the NYPBS concert are available now – a perfect chance to witness this vibrant energy in action.