Inveraray Pipe Band Special

Pipe Band Special

Inveraray band is Scotland's and the UK's favourite lotto-funded project

INVERARAY and District Pipe Band reached the UK final of the National Lottery Awards after being named Scotland's favourite lottery-funded project.

The Argyllshire Advertiser encouraged its readers to support the pipe band when it was named as a Scottish finalist in July, and thousands of people answered the call by backing the pipers for the award. The band overcame stiff competition from three other Scottish projects to win a prestigious place in the national final.

Band leader 5tuart Liddell was delighted with the news. He said: `We are absolutely thrilled with this achievement and it is a great reflection of the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the band.

`Thanks to lottery funding, the town is very proud that we've got a pipe band again after so long. To be involved with the pipe band is a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters as they're learning discipline and teamwork and about Scottish history and culture.'

Once again, the band with the support of The Argyllshire Advertiser's readers, won the UKwide 'Local Legend' category at the awards. The winner was announced on a special BBC1 programme 'Everyone's A Winner' on Saturday September 23, National Lottery Day. The show was hosted by Noel Edmonds.

5tuart formed the band with help from a Ł17,000 grant from the Scottish Arts Council and Awards For All, which enabled the group to buy instruments and other equipment. The band recently completed its first competition year, having won a prize at each event it entered.

ARGYLL Caravan Park hosted a fundraising day for the band on 19th September, raising Ł2,031.72.

There were activities to keep all ages entertained, including a bring and buy stall in the in the recreation hall, a bottle stall, balloons, horse shoes, home baking and teas and coffees.

Inveraray Pipe Band paraded to the pier for the return of the great raft race, won this year by the caravan park's Red Bull Team of Robert McCulloch, Tony Gray, Ian Day and John Young. The band then piped everyone to reception for a pipe band and Highland dancing display.

The Waterside Bar kindly held bingo and drew the raffle, and there was an array of colour in the children's fancy dress parade, again piped by the band and judged by Mr and Mrs Sleeman, holiday home owners at the park. These events were followed by Laura's children's disco in the Waterside. The adults had their chance later at Jan's Disco. Tracy McCulloch and her organisers thank all those who contributed prizes and helped organise and run the day.