Ross & Cromarty Pipe Band to buy new drums and uniforms thanks to Port of Cromarty Firth

Ross & Cromarty Pipe Band has been chosen as one of a number organisations who have received a helping hand from the Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF).

A total of £5000 has been donated to the Ross & Cromarty Pipe Band to fund new drums and uniforms for its members. 

Sixteen new learners will be given instruments to allow them to play with the band at competitions and engagements. The addition of more drums will benefit the wider band by enhance the band’s sound. Learners will also be equipped with brand new uniforms so that they can represent the band and look the part.

Juvenile band members will have the facilities to develop their skills, gain more responsibilities and increase their confidence. The band also aims to promote discipline and stability amongst all members. The structured environment provides the opportunitity to create meaningful friendships and promote inter community collaboration.

Kim MacLennan, Piper and Fundraising Assistant for the Ross & Cromarty Pipe Band, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Port Authority for providing us with such invaluable sponsorship. We have been wanting to upgrade our drums for several years, more so than ever now that we have been upgraded to Grade 3A after an extremely successful competitive season in 2023. 

“Due to the funding from the Port Authority, we are now able to put the money towards buying a full new set of drums with a personalised bass drum skin. The drums will be ready just in time for our final competition of 2024, The World Pipe Band Championships, on August 17th and we cannot wait to get them out in action.”

During the 2023 competitive season, the band became European Champions, obtained 2nd at Scottish Championships, 4th at World Championships and were crowned Champion of Champions overall for Grade 3B. This year, the band’s Pipe Major is 2 time gold medalist Niall Matheson and leading drummer is Jim Wallace, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to both the senior and junior band.

Alex Johnson, Marketing and PR Manager for Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are delighted to be able to help equip the Ross & Cromarty Pipe Band with new drums and uniforms, and help foster a strong sense of community for new and returning band members.

“The Port takes great pride in the Community Sponsorship Programme. We enjoy working with the communities that border the Firth and learning about the projects close to their heart, which gives us great insights into the vital work going on in the area.”

The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of the local people. 

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council. 

Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:

• Skills development, employability or job creation, 
• Vessel crew or passenger support, 
• Environmental protection or enhancement, 
• Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.

Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.