Lanarkshire school pipers set to take centre stage in just three weeks

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A major championship is around the corner for budding pipers at one South Lanarkshire school, as they prepare to blow up a storm at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship (SSPBC).

Larkhall Academy will compete in one of the nation’s biggest piping and drumming events against 121 other schools from across the nation.The Championships was launched in 2013, as part of a nationwide drive by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to revive dwindling access to the instruments across schools – despite evidence of multiple positive benefits.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Alexandra Duncan, chief executive of SSPDT, said: “The Championships are a huge day in the piping calendar and after a long break due to the pandemic, we are sure it will be a very special return next month. “Playing in pipe bands can improve so much more than just musical skills for young people and the Championships next month are a major celebration of that.“As the big day gets closer, we can’t wait to welcome more than 120 schools to what is always an incredible, music-filled celebration.”Featuring 81 performances across the day, the event will be hosted by East Ayrshire Council and see pipe bands, quartets and freestyle ensembles go head-to-head at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on March 12, 2023.