Councils attacked

Traditional music is under threat due to cuts to free instrumental tuition – according to the director of one of the country’s biggest festivals.

Donald Shaw, the organiser of Celtic Connections, said it was “almost criminal” that some councils have chosen to get rid of free music tuition despite the numerous well known benefits of musical education.

Mr Shaw was speaking during a recent tour of schools in Skye.

Some parents told him their children were not getting the opportunity to play instruments.

He said: “For me that is almost criminal. When governments are looking for easy cuts it seems the arts are first to go.”