Sponsorship & Award Feedback

The following feedback was received from those who received a sponsorship award from the Trust.  If you’re interested in sponsorship, please find out how to get funded.  Our sub-group carefully considers all submissions.

Bobby Allen

The year 2019 has been a great year in piping. I have had a full year of tuition from my teacher Willie Morrison at Otago Street, Piping Centre, Glasgow. I have played in many events and competitions throughout Scotland and the Isles.

This year I have improved from last years total of first place piping results from 34 to 55. I have also had clean sweeps, such as winning all events at the ‘Atholl Gathering’ and others from February through to December.

My attainment in piping has also been successful. This year I have passed level 6 and the results for level 7 are currently pending.

My aims for 2020 are to gain an award in the final level, which is 8 in piping. Then to complete my study by gaining my teachers qualification in bagpipes in 2020.

There is no doubt ‘The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust’ has helped me, supported me and contributed towards my success, attainment and experiences in piping in 2019. I am looking forward to another great year of piping in 2020.

 

Year of Award:2019

Coupar Angus Burgh Pipe Band

During a year of continued Band development, one notable area of success has been the growth in numbers of new young members, progressing our ambition to form a Novice Juvenile band. This encouraging process has been supported by a small team of able and enthusiastic tutors, some from outwith band membership. The generous Trust sponsorship has enabled us to meet the cost of this training, and to feel confidence in the continuing progress of this project. We would like to extend our grateful thanks.

Submitted by:Sandy Duthie
Year of Award:2019

Archie McNab

Thanks to the GDMT for the funding of Archie’s place at the D2 Summer school.

The Summer school has been a great experience for Archie, he thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and camaraderie with the other young musicians and instructors.
Archie feels the Summer school was a great benefit to him and he continues to make good progress in his piping technique, his most recent achievements were at the City of Brechin Solo’s winning 1st place in the u/15 MSR, 1st place in the 6/8 march and 2nd place in the jig and taking the award for Junior Champion Piper.

The support from the Trust is very much appreciated, Thank you!

Submitted by:A. McNab
Year of Award:2019

Kinlochard Gathering, Junior Solo Piping Competition

Kinlochard Gathering, Junior Solo Piping Competition, held on the fabulous Loch side setting on the 14th July 2019. The standard of piping was brilliant and there were some new faces in the competition. The overall winner was Christopher Happs, second was Bobby Allen, third place went to Josh Esson and fourth Kyle Gordon. The judge was Pipe Major Chris Armstrong.

A million thanks to the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust for supporting this Junior Competition. As you can see your banners were flying high!

 

Submitted by:Gregor Wood
Year of Award:2019

Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band (USPB)

Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band (USPB)

On behalf of Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band (USPB), I would like to thank the Trust for their recent contribution to our progress this year (2019).

With the help of the fund, we have seen the playing level of the band progress remarkably and we have exceeded our goal of a mid-table position. While it may not sound much, this is a vast improvement on where the band has been over the last 20 years or so.

This funding has allowed the continuation of our tuition for beginner pipers and drummers. The attached pictures show the pleasure generated in such a wide range of ages and experiences. It has generated a degree of financial flexibility, allowing the drums to have a long overdue upgrade and that has permitted the organsiation to attend contests at the likes of Northern Ireland and Inverness feasible.

The highlight of the year was qualifying for the Worlds final, something that the band had not achieved in its history. This success has attracted many new players. We have added around 12 under 18’s to our ranks and their enthusiasm is proving infectious. A couple of them volunteered to play at this years band dance in front of around 250 playing members and guests.

We saw two of our young drummers appear in the prizes at the World Solo Drumming, earning a creditable 2nd for tenor and 3rd for the side drum.

As well as the drum upgrades, the fund has allowed us to also purchase pipe chanters and some uniform items in order to equip this influx of new talent.

USPB playing

 

Submitted by:P/m Ian MacGregor
Year of Award:2019