Fond farewell as Barra piping tutor retires

Castlebay School bid a fond farewell to Domhnall Padruig Nicholson as he ‘retired’ from his role as volunteer chanter and piping tutor earlier this month, Writes Mark Entwistle.

Domhnall Padruig has been instrumental in many ways for the delivery of music teaching in the Barra school.

He has dedicated his time weekly over many years to teach children the chanter and pipes, including trips to join the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band and mainland excursions such as the School Pipe Band Championships and Celtic Connections: Dìleab.

Head Teacher for Castlebay Community and Eoligarry Primary Schools, Suzanne Forman, said: ‘I have had the pleasure of working with Domhnall Padruig over many years and been amazed by the progression and talents of his many students.

‘As a member of the wider school staff, Domhnall Padruig was also there to support us during the more challenging times. I very much hope he will continue to visit once things return to normal!’ Castlebay Community and Eoligarry Primary Schools’ piping tutor, Donald ‘Ban’ MacDonald, said: ‘As the school’s piping tutor, I would like to thank Domhnall Padruig very much indeed for all his hard work and assistance to me. This he did on a purely voluntary basis over the past few years. I would like to wish him well.’

Martin Sinclair S6 pupil said: ‘I feel very fortunate to have been taught the pipes by Dòmhnall Phàdraig. I’d like to thank him for his patience and all his encouragement over the years. On behalf of the pupils, staff and parents, the school presented Domhnall Padruig with a Blair chanter which is engraved with ‘Ceud Mìle Taing bhon a h-uile duine ann an Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil.’