Bandwillteachyou thepipesforfree

Perthshire-based pipe band, the Vale of Atholl, is offering children and adults the chance of learn to play the bagpipes or pipe band drums online - and for free.

The organisation, which has been active for over 100 years, is extending its Piping and Drumming Academy online to reflect restrictions placed on travelling and meeting up in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman for the world famous organisation, Gary Nimmo, said: “The academy is principally but not exclusively for children to enable them to come into the pipe band discipline in a structured and enjoyable way.

“Thousands of youngsters in Perthshire have learned to play pipes and drums through ‘the Vale’ and with the summer holidays upon us, we’d like to open the academy up to others. As far as we are aware, no other pipe band organisation is doing this.

“Currently, our two pipe bands are maintaining practices online so offering others the chance to learn is a logical extension of this.

“Thanks to sponsorship from Dunkeld based offroad driving centre, Land Rover Experience Scotland, our tuition is provided free.”

The Vale’s instructors are highly experienced members of the organisation, said Gary.

They have been through the Disclosure Scotland process. In addition, the lessons will be recorded and instruments (sanitised) can be supplied.

The Vale of Atholl was founded in Pitlochry in 1906. It rose to become one of the pipe band world’s successful and innovative outfits.

If anyone wishes to take advantage of this initiative, they should contact Gary Nimmo at valetutorlead@ hotmail.com