Forres and District Pipe Band to invest £4000 participatory budgeting scheme grant in piping and drumming tuition

THE PUBLIC has voted to award the town’s biggest group of musicians nearly £4000 of Scottish Government funding to help its development.

Forres and District Pipe Band spokeswoman, Sharon Carmichael, confirmed they will use the £3920 participatory budgeting scheme funding processed by Money For Moray towards piping and drumming tuition.

She said: “We are delighted! The successful bid is the result of the loyal support of our members, their families and the general public. Folk from the local community took the time to vote online and support us and many other local groups.”

The Empowering Communities/Investing in Communities Fund gave Money for Moray £100,000 for ‘A Fairer Moray for All’, a marketplace event showcasing local projects at Lhanbryde Community Centre followed by public voting in person and online.

Forres Pipe Band has a long history of playing for local community events, Highland games and local people on special occasions. Over the last few years the band has welcomed many new players and been re-equipped with new instruments and uniforms. It is leading the drive in Moray to encourage more youngsters to take up piping and drumming via the weekly tuition scheme at Forres Town Hall.

Sharon added: “The band went on a trip to Goslar, Germany this week. They performed at a tattoo outside the Imperial Palace there to support the 1100th anniversary of the town. Around 30 members made the trip, supported by the Forres and District -Vienenburg and Goslar Twinning Association. Berry Burn wind farm Community Fund also supported the band with an award of £3625 towards travel costs. Once they’re home they’ll be busy with Highland games every weekend for the remainder of the summer.”