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Ullapool band's Glasgow 2014 delight





Ullapool and District Junior Pipe Band parade through the streets of the village before one of their regular summertime performances.
Ullapool and District Junior Pipe Band parade through the streets of the village before one of their regular summertime performances.

AN AWARD-winning Ross-shire pipe band is playing tunes of glory after being invited to perform at the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s history - this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

Ullapool and District Junior Pipe Band will play at the Glasgow 2014 Games on July 24 and 25 at the two main entertainment venues for visitors, George Square and the tented village in Glasgow Green.

The 50-strong contingent of pipers, drummers and dancers will perform twice each day for around an hour.

It will be an intense spell for the band because the following day, Saturday, it will compete in one of its major competitions of the year, the Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Dumbarton.

Pipe band committee chairman Graham Ross said: "To play at the Commonwealth Games hosted by their own country is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youngsters.

"They will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the games and hopefully it will also act as a team-building exercise. They will never get that chance again."

But Graham revealed that the call for the Commonwealth Games left him with a bit of a headache.

He said: "We’ve stayed at the Metro Inn in Falkirk several times previously when taking part in competitions and had rooms booked there for the Scottish championships.

"But when we heard we had been invited to the Commonwealth Games and would need another two nights’ accommodation, there was a mad scramble to try and get more rooms. Everywhere has been booked up for years because of the games.

"However, luckily the Metro Inn worked some magic and were able to give us 20 rooms for the three nights. I think we should get medals for managing to find accommodation during the Commonwealth Games!"

Now the band is looking for a major sponsor to help build on what has been a highly successful 2013. And organisers are anxious to secure a deal with a local firm before Glasgow 2014 so that any sponsor can benefit from the unrivalled exposure the games will afford.

Band committee member Donna Macgregor said: "During the season we give around 25 displays in Ullapool and at various Highland Games. We would also be happy to play for any corporate event, providing there is no clash with competitions.

"We are also in the process of recording a CD and the major sponsor would feature prominently on this. We would also display an advertising board on our touring bus clearly showing your support of the band and a sail banner at events."

Last year the band was named Pipe Band of the Year in the Traditional Music Awards. It also toured Germany, played at the Celtic Music Festival in Brittany and came fifth in its class at the European Championships in Forres.

The band is made up of youngsters aged between nine and 19, and has doubled in size over the last year to more than 70 members.

This summer it will compete in five major competitions - the British, UK, Scottish, European and World championships.

Any company which can help the band with sponsorship should contact Donna Macgregor on 0791 6266 527.


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