Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums release charity single
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums have released a stunning rendition of the tune 'The Heroes of St Valery' with proceeds going to charity.
Article Source: Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums
Last Updated: 13 December 2021 14:30
This unique collaboration features a powerful and evocative narration by Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson KCVO CBE CStJ that describes the battle of St Valery in France in June 1940 and the bravery of the men of the 51st Highland Division fighting against overwhelming odds. The single also ends with a bagpipe solo by Captain Stuart Samson MBE, former director of The Army School of Bagpipe Music.
The single, the brainchild of Willie Armstrong of The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, has been released to raise much needed funds for The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.
Willie Armstrong explains how the collaboration came about: “I played the tune last year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of The Battle of St Valery. The tune was written by Pipe Major (P/M) Donald Maclean who was taken prisoner at St Valery in June 1940.
“I had an idea that we should do something to celebrate the centenary year of The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. I thought we could release some music and give all the money to the charities; the most fitting tune would therefore be The Heroes of St Valery.”
After speaking with Cameron Barnes, he said: “We should involve the most famous pipe band in the world – The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – and contacted their P/M Ben Duncan who got the ball rolling at their end. Although I could have asked a civilian pipe band – one of the many top grade ones that some Red Hot Chilli Pipers members currently play in; I thought it would be more appropriate to have the very best military pipe band as the charities we’ll be donating to are there to support military personnel – both serving and retired.”
Sir Melville Jameson KCVO CBE CStJ, who narrates on the track and who has previously commanded both The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the 51st Highland Brigade, comments on why this is such an important recording.
“It is a great honour to be part of this very special recording of that wonderful tune “The Heroes of St Valery” composed in Prisoner of War Camp by Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis and The Seaforth Highlanders.
“I find it intensely moving and it reminds me of the motto of those gallant soldiers of The 51st Highland Division ‘Friends are good on the day of battle’.
“All the proceeds will go to support The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland in their centenary year - Please give it your full support.”
Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE, son of a St Valery survivor and President of the Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland said: “As President of both the Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, and as the son of one of those “Heroes of St Valery”, I salute this brilliant new version of a famous tune composed with much emotion under the grim conditions of a German PoW camp over 80 years ago. I salute all those involved in creating this memorable recording and in particular, I salute their generosity in committing the proceeds of the sales to two charities that play such a vital part in providing comfort and help to veterans in need in Scotland. Those who fought so valiantly at St Valery would be proud to know that they are honoured in this way.”
A spokesperson for Poppyscotland expands on the challenges they face and the valuable support they provide: “The Covid-19 pandemic has hit many in our Armed Forces community especially hard. Veterans were already particularly susceptible to social isolation and loneliness before lockdown hit, but leading charities Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland have been at the forefront throughout the pandemic.
“Poppyscotland made more than 9000 proactive calls to the most vulnerable veterans, ensuring that while many face-to-face services ceased, they were not forgotten. Poppyscotland’s popular drop-in groups moved online and proved a lifeline to many, and their wider programme of welfare support has continued uninterrupted throughout.
“As restrictions started to lift, Legion Scotland’s veterans’ community support service has played a vital role in rekindling camaraderie between members of the Armed Forces community, both on a one-to-one basis at home and also through organising day trips and breaks.
“Despite this, many more in our Armed Forces community still need help and that is why the money raised for the single is so important. Only through the continued support of the public can these great charities continue their life-changing work. Their services are needed now more than ever.”
A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion Scotland talks about the crucial work they undertake and the challenges they also face: “2021 has been a significant year in the history of The Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland) as they launched their centenary commemorations in June. The Legion has been providing support and comradeship to veterans for the last 100 years, as well as delivering an annual programme of Remembrance and key military commemorations.
“The pandemic has affected all areas of their services, but the membership and volunteers quickly adapted to provide commemorations via a virtual format to ensure veterans remained connected and supported.
“Legion Scotland’s veterans’ community support service has remained active since the first lockdown providing practical support and befriending to veterans and their families. Up and down the country legion members and volunteers were the embodiment of our motto, “Service not Self” ensuring that veterans were supported and had regular points of contact when they needed it most.
“Hardest hit have been Legion Scotland’s network of Branches and Clubs with facilities closed and face-to-face meetings not possible, the last year has seen Legion Scotland lose 18% of their membership and vital income required to continue their work supporting veterans.
“Despite the challenges, the Legion remains a force for good for the Armed Forces Community in Scotland and with fundraising support will be able to continue that work for 100 years more.”
It is hoped, with support of the Scottish media, the public will have the opportunity to listen to and enjoy this fantastic recording and in turn support these great charities in continuing their crucial work. An audio of the single can be listened to here.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Miss Rachel fever hits Scotland
Miss Rachel fever, the American YouTuber who creates baby and toddler learning videos, is sweeping Scotland.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORE
Amazonia appoints new education officer
Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, has appointed Courtney Whiteman as an Education Officer.
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Waddle over for a weekend of fun at New Lanark this Bank Holiday
New Lanark is thrilled to announce the return of its most popular family event – the Duck Festival!
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Time to get messy at M&Ds
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is set to host Messy Play events for ASN supported families in May and June.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
East Kilbride film fanatic honoured at London ceremony
Martin Durning (31) of East Kilbride was presented with a Movie Munchies Award at the inaugural ODEON Extras awards in London on Wednesday 30th April.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links