Testimonials

The continued support from the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust has proved to a great lifeline for the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band. We have embarked upon a new training programme with Professional Tutors and the money received from the Trust helps us to meet our commitments
Not only do we have the support from the Trust but we also have the support from our great, former Pipe Major Ian Duncan.
We are very lucky to have both.

When the covid pandemic took hold and the world went into lock down, funders who would normally support our project shut their doors and staff went on to furlough leaving funding applications unanswered. Yet this has been the time when our students and their parents/carers have needed us the most.

It is with great thanks that the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust did not close their doors, but stepped forward to support our industry in these toughest of times. Thanks to their help, we have been able to deliver uninterrupted coaching and support to our young people, both in person when allowed and online when restricted. We were able to run a “Big Bagpipe Week” to transition our youngsters from chanter to bagpipes, and an October School to help prepare them for their first SCQF examinations which they all passed with ease, on top of our regular weekly tuition.

Thank you GDMT for looking after us when we needed it the most.
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Before the onset of current restrictions, Coupar Angus Pipe Band had a very successful recruiting drive aimed at players of all levels. The outcome enabled us to plan on presenting two bands for the 2020 season, one in Grade 4 and the other in Novice Juvenile. A lot of training would be required, assisted significantly by the generous grant from the Trust.

Despite the frustrations of lockdown, the task has continued through 2020, mainly concentrating on the youngsters. Much of the piping instruction was organised internally, with the remainder and virtually all the drumming being conducted by external resources, funded by the Trust

Through the internet, the process continues into 2021. I am sure that all bands are experiencing the problems associated with non-contact training. However, we seek to continue the momentum until circumstances imrove.

Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums was established to give young people within the Garnock Valley cluster of schools the opportunity to learn the pipes and drums at not cost to them, ensuring inclusion of all. The tutors ‘toured’ schools in the Garnock Valley teaching young people from P5 upwards to play the pipes and drums. Prior to Covid there were over 100 young people learning the pipes and drums throughout the Garnock Valley. Due to their dedication and commitment, the band played in some major competitions in 2019 including the Worlds.

None of this would have been possible without the help and support from The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust to whom we are extremely grateful.

Ian Broughton (Chair)

The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust made an award to me in March 2020, just before the lockdown, and it covered all my travel costs for a number of months while I was moving back home to Skye from Glasgow to complete my HNC (Traditional music performance) online, which I’m very grateful for. Although the lockdown put a halt on live music I was able to purchase recording equipment, with help from the GDMT, so I could remotely collaborate with friends. With the GDMT funding I was able to pay for online tuition prior to my successful audition for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Undergraduate piping course in December 2020. I’m very grateful to be continuing on a musical path and I’m really looking forward to starting in September 2021.