On behalf of Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band (USPB), I would like to thank the Trust for their recent contribution to our progress this year (2019).

With the help of the fund, we have seen the playing level of the band progress remarkably and we have exceeded our goal of a mid-table position. While it may not sound much, this is a vast improvement on where the band has been over the last 20 years or so.

This funding has allowed the continuation of our tuition for beginner pipers and drummers. The attached pictures show the pleasure generated in such a wide range of ages and experiences. It has generated a degree of financial flexibility, allowing the drums to have a long overdue upgrade and that has permitted the organsiation to attend contests at the likes of Northern Ireland and Inverness feasible.

The highlight of the year was qualifying for the Worlds final, something that the band had not achieved in its history. This success has attracted many new players. We have added around 12 under 18’s to our ranks and their enthusiasm is proving infectious. A couple of them volunteered to play at this years band dance in front of around 250 playing members and guests.

We saw two of our young drummers appear in the prizes at the World Solo Drumming, earning a creditable 2nd for tenor and 3rd for the side drum.

As well as the drum upgrades, the fund has allowed us to also purchase pipe chanters and some uniform items in order to equip this influx of new talent.