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 Lanarkshire News
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
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.
Border Biscuits sponsors DINOmite Jurassic Lanark community event
Jurassic Lanark has revealed there is a 'roarsome' new pack of dinosaurs roaming Scotland!
LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical comes to Lanark!
Lanark Amateur Musical Society have announced their 2023 production as the broadway-smash LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical, taking place in Lanark Memorial Hall in March!
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.
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.
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.
Meet former Scotland players Derek Ferguson and Frank McAvennie
Hot on the heels on Scotland playing the Republic of Ireland this weekend, former Scottish football players Derek Ferguson and Frank McAvennie will be appearing at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park!
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!
HES seeks views on listing of Alasdair Gray mural at Palacerigg
Artwork by renowned artist and writer Alasdair Gray at Palacerigg is being considered for listed status.
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.
Youth Music Initiative celebrates 20 years and incredible achievements from the past two decades
YMI Programme has delivered a staggering increase in children's engagement with music across Scotland.
Can you help people living with chest, heart & stroke conditions across Scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is calling for people in the local community to become Collection Can Volunteers to help raise vital funds.
All Aboard for Bookbug Week 2022!
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host Bookbug Week from Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May.
Scottish hospitality Oscars on hunt to find the best loved pubs in Scotland
Scotland's longest-running licensed trade awards - dubbed the hospitality Oscars, have launched their search to find Scotland's top pubs and best-loved bars today.
ALDI Scotland is bringing a Scottish twist to Cinco De Mayo
Aldi Scotland has taken a Scottish twist on a family favourite for any Cinco De Mayo parties this weekend by creating none other than hearty, haggis fajitas.
Glasgow Kiltwalk raises a record sum for Scottish charities
Sir Tom Hunter has issued a heartfelt thanks to Kiltwalk Heroes who put their best foot forward for last week's Glasgow event, revealing they helped to raise over £4 million, a record-breaking sum.
Spring Fair in Lanark Tolbooth
On Saturday 7th May, Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) will host a fundraising Spring Fair in Lanark Tolbooth, 11am – 3pm with free entry.
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.
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust launches Lanternhouse Cinema!
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust is delighted to announce the opening of the state-of-the-art Lanternhouse cinema on Saturday, 30 April 2022!
Online course runs athletes through benefits of brain health
Exercising regularly improves brain health as much as physical fitness, say experts launching a programme to boost performance and wellbeing.
Historic sites across Scotland are opening their doors to visitors once more for the new season
More Historic Environment Scotland (HES) historic sites across Scotland will be reopening across Scotland for the Spring and Summer.
Month Of Community to celebrate everything that makes our communities special
June will see a month of community events and celebrations held across the UK including The Big Lunch, Volunteers Week, Loneliness Awareness Week and Scottish Refugee Festival!
Scottish Drag Queens call on others to join in with Jubilee Jump for charity
Two Scottish Drag Queens are set to leap from a platform suspended 40ft above the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie, as part of a charity bungee jump, and they are calling on more people to take part!
itison launches major charity initiative, itison us
Market leading daily deals service and online marketing company, itison has announced the return of its charity initiative, itison us and are calling out for local charities to apply now.
Get ready for a family adventure this summer in Scotland with The Nickelodeon Experience
Nickelodeon has announced a brand new outdoor immersive event, The Nickelodeon Experience, set to launch this summer in Saughton Park, Edinburgh.
Sponsored Links
