Coming top out of 16 competing bands in Forres, this achievement is the cherry on top of a fantastic year for the Strathallan Pipe Band. A year filled with remarkable performances and significant milestones for the Department of Traditional Music and Scottish Culture.
Strathallan School Pipe Major, Josh Fraser expressed his pride at the latest achievement at the British Championships, saying, "A huge well done to our Pipers and Drummers. This performance highlights the band's dedication and hard work. We could not be any prouder of them all."
Director of Traditional Music and Scottish Culture, Craig Muirhead echoed these sentiments, adding, "What an amazing day for our Pipe Band at the British Champs and what an incredible year. Sincere congratulations to all our talented pupils and this incredible team of staff. It was a slightly emotional day after winning the championship title!"
The school's Pipers and Drummers have had a series of impressive performances leading up to this latest achievement. In November, they made history by participating in the world's oldest and largest civic procession, the Lord Mayor's Show in London.
At Christmas, a record number of Strathallan Pipers and Drummers shared the stage in Perth Concert Hall for a rendition of 'Fix You' by Coldplay:
In February, they performed with the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra during the City of Edinburgh's official Chinese New Year celebrations.
This year also marked the first competition appearance for the Strathallan Development Pipe Band at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships in Kilmarnock.
The Folk Band joined the Pipe Band for the Freestyle event and the Competition Band secured an impressive 2nd place in the Novice Juvenile B Category competing against 24 bands.
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Strathallan School Folk Band with Mr Kyle Howie
In April, our pupils shared the stage again with Skerryvore, a moment Strathallan piper James S described as unforgettable.
"I had a great time playing with Skerryvore," said James. "The tune was sounding great. It will be an experience I will never forget."
Alfie P, a Strathallan Pipe Band drummer who placed second in the European Solo Drumming Championships at Lochgelly High School in April, added, "Being on with Skerryvore was an absolute delight and the crowd was amazing. Great memories with the pipe band have been made."
A creative highlight of this year was the performance of the Drum Corps during the School's Christmas Concert:
Top Secret by Strathallan Drum Corps arranged by our Drum Major Mr David James Richardson.
Early on in September, Harry T and Rory M were selected for the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, with Harry securing a place in the Senior Pipe Band and Rory was promoted from three years in the Junior Band to the Development Band. The pair performed with NYPBOS at Perth Concert Hall in April.
Reflecting on his experience, Harry said, "I loved every second of it because I was playing alongside a team of fantastic people who made every moment a joy."
Beyond the achievements of our pupils, the team of Piping and Drumming instructors have enjoyed their own success with their respective Pipe Bands and have helped The Castle Pipers in Germany achieve a historic landmark in their own bagpiping journey.
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Under the expert tutelage of Pipe Major Fraser, the Castle Pipers dedicated themselves to ten weekends of online study and two intensive weekends of in-person training through an innovative partnership with the school which culminated in ten members receiving top marks in their SCQF Grade 2 and 4 Scottish Bagpipes examinations.
From historic processions to collaborations with renowned musicians, it has been a fantastic year for our Strathallan School Pipe Band.
