Enchanted Forest Community Fund helps pipe band keep Scottish traditions alive

The Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band is ensuring the Scottish tradition of bagpiping is being kept alive and kicking by removing financial barriers to participation, thanks to a £4,000 grant received from the Enchanted Forest Community Trust.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, the band remains committed to making Scottish musical heritage accessible to all, regardless of background or financial circumstances, and is open to musicians and experienced pipers and drummers aged 18 to 65 plus, and young learners aged 9-13 who are taught the traditions of bagpiping and drumming.

With the band based in a rural area, travel costs remain a major challenge, exceeding £3,600 last year alone. An additional £1,000 was used to cover uniforms and equipment, ensuring that all members, regardless of financial situation, could participate. The 2024 season saw the band perform at 12 major events, including the Blair Atholl Gathering, Pitlochry Games, the Blair Atholl Remembrance Parade with the Atholl Highlanders and the Avenches Tattoo in Switzerland for the second year running.

Tracey Cudworth of Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band said: “No one should feel excluded from taking part in our long-standing traditions of bagpiping and drumming. Thanks to the Enchanted Forest Community Fund, we’ve been able to support our members with essential travel and kit, allowing them to focus on their love for music and performance rather than the costs involved. The band continues to be an amazing advertisement of our Scottish culture to locals, visitors and tourists alike.”

“The band is a close-knit family, and we support and encourage all ages and abilities. It is such an inclusive positive environment which supports, nurtures and helps build self confidence of our members, giving a strong sense of achievement and sense of belonging. We’re very grateful for every donation given to us as a charity.”

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “The Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band embodies the spirit of community and cultural preservation that our fund is designed to support. Their commitment to inclusion and accessibility ensures that Scottish musical traditions will remain strong for future generations.

“We encourage other charities and CICs operating in Highland Perthshire to apply for funding up to £10,000 and make a difference to their own communities.”

The Enchanted Forest Community Fund 2025 is now open for applications. To download an application form, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk. Completed application forms should be returned no later than 28 March 2025. The successful applications will be announced on 25 April 2025.