Formartine Area Committee supports rich musical heritage with £1,000 for local pipe band

Aberdeenshire Council has given its backing to the rich musical heritage of the area by awarding a £1,000 grant to the Ellon and District Royal British Legion Pipe Band.

The council’s Formartine Area Committee recently made the award through ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust), which brings together a number of historic local charitable trusts and is administered by the local authority. 

Ellon and District Royal British Legion Pipe Band received the funding in support of its work advancing arts, heritage and culture through its long-established Youth Music Tutoring Programme.

The £1,000 grant will help the band continue providing free or affordable lessons, purchase essential instruments and equipment for new learners and expand outreach to engage even more young people.

For more than 50 years, the registered charity has played a vital role in the community, offering free or low-cost tuition in both Highland bagpipes and drumming to young people from Ellon and the surrounding areas.

As a development band made up entirely of homegrown pipers and drummers, councillors heard that it remains a shining example of how sustained community investment can nurture talent and preserve Scotland’s musical traditions.

The tutoring programme supports young people aged 8 to 18, with a particular focus on those who may not otherwise have access to music tuition. Working closely with local schools, youth and community organisations, the band aims to reach those who will benefit most from the opportunity.

Cllr Iain Taylor, chair of the Formartine Area Committee said: “We were delighted to approve this application which will help ensure that future generations can experience the personal, social and cultural benefits of traditional Scottish music. Ellon and District Royal British Legion Pipe Band have created a very strong programme which is helping to build confidence, teamwork and creativity while strengthening community connections.

“This investment highlights Aberdeenshire Council’s continued commitment to supporting grassroots organisations which enrich local life and keep the area’s cultural heritage alive and thriving and I would encourage both individuals and groups to submit their funding bids for projects which bring community benefits.”

For details of ACT2 and other funding streams in the Formartine area visit https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/funding/formartine/