Music pupils in tune over closure threat

PUPILS from the national traditional music school will today play for their futures as councillors decide the fate of the centre of excellence.

Almost 11 years to the day since it opened at Plockton High School in Wester Ross, the centre is under threat with Highland Council considering withdrawing 300,000 a year funding in 2012 to save money.

Support for retaining the centre is growing with an internet petition being signed by nearly 9,000 people and high-profile names like Alastair Campbell, George Galloway, Barbara Dickson and Phil Cunningham joining the campaign to save it.

Pupils with their instruments will join a protest outside the council headquarters in Inverness this morning ahead of a budget debate.

Mr Campbell, Labour's former spin doctor, said of his support for the school: "I wanted to support this because I think it is important. It looks to me like an easy target in a way."

The school, run by Dougie Pincock, formerly of the Battlfield Band, opened in February, 2000 offering tuition in singing, piping and fiddle, clarsach, accordion, keyboard and whistle playing.

One pupil said she and other musicians are "shocked and horrified" at the idea of losing the centre "not just for ourselves, but for all the other children who are going to miss out on such an amazing opportunity.

"We are very passionate about the music school and can't bear the thought of others not having the opportunity to change and shape their musical ability and lives like we have had."

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Creative Scotland, also backs the centre's retention.

He said: "Scotland is recognised internationally for the quality of its traditional music and Plockton has proven its success in growing the next generation of musical talent for the nation; it is one of the most successful initiatives in music education in the UK.

"While Creative Scotland recognises the pressure on Highland Council, it is vitally important that Plockton's future is secured for the benefit of all of Scotland's young people."