A north-east secondary school has recruited two musicians to drive forward the skills of a new pipe band.
Andrew Gray, a bagpipe instructor at James Gillespie’s High School, and Aberdeen drummer Nicky Gibson, have teamed up with youngsters at Banff Academy to train a new generation of north-east pipers.
Both men currently play in police pipe bands.
The initiative, part-funded by the local authority and the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, will aim to teach beginners chanter and drumming skills while working with more advanced pupils individually.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council added that the pair would also be responsible for developing Banff Academy’s own pipe band which was formed two years ago.
Last night, Mr Gray said he was excited to begin work.
“There are quite a few people involved in piping at the school, and the council was looking for people to come forward with the ambition to make them a band,” he added.
“At the moment, it will just be a trial to see how many people will be interested, and the tuition will be free. We’ve got over 110 chanter players currently receiving lessons, and Nicky is doing the same thing with the drumming.
“We’ve got a lot of kids involved. The reaction to it has been extremely positive, there is a feeling that it has been lacking in the area for a long time. So they are warming to the fact that tuition will be made available.”
Mr Gray believes that upon the completion of the scheme, the Banff Academy band could have as much as 170 members.
Rector Andrew Ritchite, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew and Nicky to Banff Academy. The Banffshire area has a strong piping heritage and our vision is to build on this and make Banff Academy a centre of excellence for pipes and drums.
“The Banff Academy Pipe Band started two years ago and with the support of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust it has flourished, giving pupils a very rewarding experience.
“We are all very proud of our pipe band and with Andrew and Nicky on board we can build on this very promising start.”