St Columba's School pupils join National Youth Pipe Band

Piper Ross Aitchison and bass drummer Fraser Reid of St Columba’s School successfully auditioned for the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, in a year in which the band received a record number of applications.

The band aims to provide young people with unique experiences around the development of pipe band music.

Ross has accepted a position in the development band, which offers musicians world-class training and prestigious concert opportunities.

Ross Aitchison (Image: St Columba's School)

He will have the chance to broaden his musical experience and ‘master the fundamentals of band craft’.

Fraser will join the senior band, which brings together some of the country's best young pipers and drummers to ‘explore what is possible in a concert pipe band ensemble’.

This group is made up of musicians who have played in some of the world’s top adult bands, as well as members of community bands.

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Gordon Bruce, who leads the piping and drumming programme at St Columba’s School, added: "I am incredibly proud that two of our exceptional students have earned a place at the National Youth Pipe Band.

“Their dedication, hard work and commitment has ignited a sense of pride and accomplishment within our community.

Fraser Reid (Image: St Columba's School)

“Fraser and Ross are two extremely talented musicians with remarkable talent and are a testament to the potential that exists within the piping and drumming programme.”

Both pupils are involved in the school’s own pipe band, which enjoyed one of its most successful seasons yet this year.

The band topped the season off by winning the Grade Novice A world championship title at the Glasgow Green in August.