Balivanich School winners

Judges praised Balivanich Primary School's fledging band’s “termoundous” performance at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.

The school was awarded the Primary School winner title at the annual schools' championship - held on-line this year due to Covid restrictions.

They came a close second in the People’s choice where the at-home audience voted for their favourite out of 16 bands, securing 390 out of the 3290 total votes cast.

The island group “won hearts and minds” enthused event host, Scott Wilson.

Judge Craig Munro agreed: “They were fantastic. It looked as if they were having the best time of their life.”

The young musicians kicked-off with a local - and worldwide famous tune - The Dark Island, accompanied by one of the pupils singing the Gaelic vocals. In addition, they performed Kalabaken, and Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban

Praised also flowed for dedicated tutor, Esther MacDonald, who diligently brought the children’s talent to the fore in a short space of time, and Anna Black who taught fiddle.

Judge Finlay Macdonald from the national Piping Centre was thrilled with the “great, warm hearted, wonderful” performance.

“The pipers’ technique is bang on. They’ve obviously been taught so well.

“I loved the way they were communicating - the fiddle player, percussion and the chanters. That’s natural musicianship supported by really good teaching.

“You can tell these guys have been taught really well on all their instruments - they’ve got great technique and flow.”

Culla Creations’ “nice touch” in weaving “stunning” scenic shots of the island into the submitted video entry also impressed the panel.

Balivanich School is big hit at pipe and drums competition

30 March 2021