'Thank you for the music, Nan!' – King's representative in Ross-shire awards British Empire Medal to voluntary tutor whose precious gift to children will provide a lasting legacy
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A WOMAN whose passion has brought the gift of music to children who might otherwise have been denied the opportunity to blossom has been recognised.
The work of Agnes Cleghorn Redhead – better known to her friends as Nan – as a self-funded music tutor has brought music to some of the remotest schools in the islands and led to a number of students securing places at a prestigious centre of learning in Plockton.
She was presented her British Empire Medal for voluntary services to music and to the communities of Skye and Harris at Dunvegan Primary School by Joanie Whiteford, Lord Lieutenant for Ross and Cromarty.
Nan has brought music to schools in some of the most remote areas in the islands of Skye and Harris.
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Mrs Whiteford's citation said: "Providing free after school music lessons in the schools, and at home, she enriched the lives of those involved, providing them with life chances which would otherwise not be available to them.
"She taught the children a range of instruments and musical literacy.
"Her accomplished students further contributed to the enrichment of their remote communities by entertaining residents of local care homes and in public venues, gatherings and school events.
"Nan encouraged her students to take part in music competitions and workshops with great success, as reflected in the plethora of awards received."
Her natural love for traditional music and her encouraging style of teaching has contributed to keeping Gaelic, Highland and Scots music alive.
Her students have also gained places at the prestigious National School of Traditional Music in Plockton.
Mrs Whiteford added: "She has fostered not only a love, knowledge and appreciation of music in her prodigies but also an increase in confidence, application and the improved ability to face life's challenges and succeed."
After Nan was awarded her well deserved BEM, a gathering was treated to a wonderful concert by The Jaggy Thistles, her accomplished group of musicians.
Mrs Whiteford added: "Many thanks to the school for providing a delicious tea."
