Eilidh fund opens to new applications

YOUNG musicians across Scotland are invited to apply for funding from the music education charity established in memory of Eilidh MacLeod, the Isle of Barra teenager who was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

Musicians of all genres and disciplines have until midnight on April 30 to bid to the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust for financial support. The small grants charity targets its help towards groups and individuals to grow and develop their music tuition capacity and ensure lessons continue to be available to all. Trust support is offered to help young musicians grow in their abilities and confidence as performers.

Eilidh’s Trust was established in 2018 in memory of the talented 14-year-old musician from the Isle of Barra who died in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017. The trust supports music education for young people reflecting Eilidh’s own love of music and her musical ability and enjoyment as a piper with the local school pipe band.

The trust will also manage and maintain a permanent memorial to Eilidh and a garden of remembrance and reflection in Barra.

Trust founder Suzanne White said: “We want to hear from musicians and groups across the length and breadth of Scotland that feel they need some financial support.

“So far we have made over 60 grant payments to a wide variety of groups and individuals from singers, choirs and pipe bands to orchestras and brass bands.

“We are proud of the positive impact that our funding is already having for young musicians across the country and we’re looking forward to seeing the success it continues to have in Eilidh’s memory.”

Applications should be made via eilidhstrust.org.uk