The Trust helps to extend and sustain piping and
drumming in Scotland's state schools, with a
focus on remote and disadvantaged areas. We
supported 3,750 pupils in over 270 schools last
year. More partnerships are pending, and new
enquiries are welcome.
Resilience and teamwork, perseverance and confidence - these are just some of the transferable life skills that pupils develop when they play in a pipe band, along with a sense of pride and belonging within the school and community. Widening opportunities to learn the pipes and drums in schools also helps, on a national scale, to safeguard Scotland’s unique cultural heritage.
SSPDT has co-created 55 new piping and
drumming teaching roles in schools, so far. We
provide networking, professional development
events and resources for piping and drumming
tutors working in schools.
“I’ve seen kids come in here with no self confidence and seen the changes that learning an instrument can bring about. It’s amazing to see what piping can do. Learning a skill, making friendships that will last a lifetime, being part of something.”
A tutor in Govan schools, former World Championships winner and member of the Strathclyde Police Band
“The Preston Lodge Pipe Band has grown quickly from a tentative group of new players into the flourishing figurehead of our school and its community.”
Gavin Clark, Head Teacher
Preston Lodge High School, East Lothian
We know that raising funds for instruments and pipe bands can be challenging. To help you get started, use the links below to navigate to advice on fundraising for bagpipes and pipe band activities, or download our SSPDT Fundraising Guide. You can also find information on our grants and bagpipe loans under SSPDT Funding.