Special fund to support young musicians in Scotland
Young musicians across Scotland are set to benefit from a special £50k funding scheme to commemorate five years since the loss of 14-year-old musician Eilidh MacLeod in the Manchester Arena attack.
Article Source: Eilidh's Trust
First Published: 2 May 2022 12:46
Updated: 2 May 2022 12:48
The Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust has opened its largest ever small grants scheme to support young musicians of all genres and disciplines to continue the piper's musical journey and build her legacy through talented young artists. Youth music groups across Scotland are being invited to bid for financial support to help them grow and develop their music tuition capacity and ensure lessons continue to be available to all.
Charity trustees agreed to create the fund to remember Eilidh on the fifth anniversary of the arena attack. The fund is especially timely as many households across the country struggle with increased living costs with the potential to impact on their ability to continue to pay music lesson fees and expenses.
Eilidh’s Trust was established in 2018 in memory of the talented 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 Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band. The trust will also manage and maintain a permanent memorial to Eilidh and a garden of remembrance and reflection on Barra.
The special anniversary fund seeks to ensure young musicians across the country are supported in their tuition by providing funding across a range of areas such as teaching costs, equipment, travel costs and venue hire.
To date, the trust has funded over 30 youth music groups and individuals from Orkney to the Borders, supporting budding artists to grow their skills, thrive in a fun learning environment and, in many instances, allowing them to restart their lessons as we emerge from the pandemic.
Launching the funding scheme at the charity's gala ball fundraiser in Glasgow, trust founder Suzanne White said: “Eilidh’s life was all about positivity, fun and friendship and that is exactly how we want her to be remembered when we mark five years since we lost her. By creating this special funding round we want to support as many music groups as possible so they can deliver tuition based on Eilidh’s attitude to life where young musicians flourish in their abilities and confidence.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far in Eilidh’s memory, supporting numerous young people in their music, but we know that more can be done. This fund will allow us to reach more music groups across Scotland, ensuring a greater number of young people have access to tuition and can continue to learn in a fun and positive environment, build life-long friendships and thrive in their talent. We want to hear from as many youth music groups as possible who feel that Eilidh’s Trust can help them.”
Welcoming the funding scheme, Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: “Music can play a powerful, transformational part in the lives of individual young people, their communities and it is a vital way to connect and share our stories across generations and borders.
“Eilidh’s Trust will play an empowering role in enabling more young people across Scotland to explore their potential and realise their ambitions through music. Helping to create these opportunities is such an inspiring legacy for Eilidh and is a reminder of and tribute to the very special place that music had in her life.”
Arthur Cormack of national community arts development body Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: “In the nearly five years since Eilidh died, Eilidh's Trust has provided meaningful support to a range of bodies. As an organisation which supports the teaching of traditional music across Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal warmly welcomes the announcement that a further £50,000 will be available through Urras Eilidh to support music education for young people. This is a significant sum and the trustees and supporters are to be commended for ensuring a fitting tribute to a remarkable young person whose love of music will live on through the impressive support Eilidh's Trust will offer to even more community groups.”
Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland added their welcome. Director Dave Francis said: “We welcome the generous contribution the Eilidh Trust is making to youth music provision in Scotland. Eilidh was a gifted young trad musician, but it is great to see the trust established in her name supporting young people to make music in their chosen genre. The benefits of this funding will be felt for years to come.”
Youth music groups that are keen to be considered for small grant funding should contact Eilidh’s Trust outlining the following details:
• The group’s background and history
• The nature of the group’s need and how Eilidh’s Trust funding would benefit their young musicians
• The group’s compliance with all regulations for safeguarding and protection of children and young people.
Applications should be send to: hello@eilidhstrust.org.uk
Latest Renfrewshire News
Salon owners receive honour at Investiture
Alan and Linda Stewart, Co-Owners of Scotland’s largest salon group and multi award winners, Rainbow Room International have received their OBE Award for Services to Hairdressing.
Scottish Album fo the Year opens for eligible album submissions today
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free.
Sma Shot Day celebrations take place this weekend
Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day takes place on Saturday with a day-long extravaganza of family entertainment in the town centre!
Durrockstock play park reopens with brand new equipment
Families and young people in Renfrewshire are benefitting from a £1million investment in Renfrewshire's play parks as complete renewals take place in 9 play areas across the area.
Green Space Dark Skies announces Orkney Mainland and North Ronaldsay as new event locations
Green Space Dark Skies, led by Walk the Plank as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has announcing two new locations for this unique project.
Commemorative 20th anniversary calendar now on sale
To commemorate its 20th anniversary and raise funds for the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, Loch Lomond Shores has produced a calendar that runs from June 2022 to May 2023.
Scots Language Makeover for Loved Literature
In celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, Visit Scotland has teamed up with Scots expert and writer Alistair Heather to translate the first lines of some of the world’s most popular books
BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom launches in Paisley town centre this weekend!
BRICKLIVE's Fantasy Kingdom launches this Saturday, 25th June, in Paisley town centre – so come and join in the fun at this summer's must-visit FREE adventure!
The Snooker Scottish Open Heads To Edinburgh
The Meadowbank Sports Centre will welcome the best snooker players on the planet later this year when the Scottish Open comes to Edinburgh.
National Theatre of Scotland presents OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley
OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley will culminate in an interactive promenade performance on the town's streets in June 2023!
Fun in the sun at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands of people from all over Renfrewshire made it along to Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day!
Jane Spiers announced as new Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland
The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to announce that Jane Spiers will be taking up the role of Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland’s board, commencing in September 2022.
A free toy library service is back in play
Renfrewshire Libraries announce the return of their popular toy library service.
Communities across the country celebrate the biggest ever Make Music Day UK
More than 70 events will take place across Scotland on 21st June to mark the global annual celebration of music!
Summerfest... let the celebrations begin!
Summer 2022 marks the 20th birthday of Loch Lomond Shores and they're celebrating in style with a brand-new FREE festival called Summerfest on the 2nd and 3rd July!
Ukrainian opera singer helps launch Refugee Festival Scotland
A Ukrainian opera singer is among the performers launching Refugee Festival Scotland – a unique celebration of refugee arts and culture coming to towns and cities across the country.
Renfrewshire gets ready for Barshaw fun
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family.
Renfrewshire and Inverclyde join to mark Armed Forces Day
Renfrewshire and Inverclyde residents are being encouraged to attend a ceremony to celebrate our serving military men and women.
Doune Castle reopens to visitors
One of Scotland's most iconic heritage attractions and star of hit TV series Outlander, Doune Castle, has reopened to the public.
Support for karate expert Amiee as she competes for Scotland
Black belt karate expert Amiee Pollard is getting a kick out of the amazing support she's had from the team at OneRen, where she works as a leisure assistant.
Gilded Balloon Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Showcasing a captivating mix of acts by fresh and accomplished talent, the Gilded Balloon is returning this August with a big, bold programme of outstanding entertainment!
Sun shines for the return of Renfrew Gala Day
Thousands of kids, parents, families and friends enjoyed a day in the sun at Renfrew Gala Day at the weekend!
Family entertainment favourites Funbox say farewell with final Johnstone show
After seven years of putting smiles on the faces of adults and children alike, family entertainment favourites Funbox have announced their final Johnstone show at the Town Hall.
Festival celebrates the diverse culture refugees bring to Renfrewshire
A festival of food, fun and fabulous music is being staged in Paisley as part of Refugee Festival Scotland!
Canadian duo to perform their own brand of new wave folk music
Canada's exciting musical duo Mama's Broke are bringing their own brand of new wave folk music, to Renfrew Town Hall.
Who will be crowned the top cocktail bar in Scotland
As the country heads out to enjoy the Queen's Jubilee long weekend, punters are being asked to nominate and 'crown' Scotland's very best cocktail bars.
Boost for communities as Scottish heritage projects are awarded funding
£142,040 has been awarded to 11 heritage projects as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund, administered by HES.
Renfrew Gala Day returns with a royal flair
Renfrew Gala Day takes place at Robertson Park from 12pm until 5pm on Sunday 5th June and families across Renfrewshire are invited to come along for the royal treatment.
Renfrewshire to mark Platinum Jubilee
Renfrewshire will join thousands of towns and cities across the Commonwealth in lighting a Beacon to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee outside Paisley Abbey on 2nd June.
Sma Shot Day celebrations set to return in Paisley town centre
Paisley's popular Sma' Shot Day celebrations are set to return with a day-long programme of spectacular entertainment in the town centre.
Sponsored Links
