Letter: Out of tune

HIGHLAND Council has voted not to fund the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music beyond next year. At a meeting on Thursday, councillor after councillor praised the school and how the word "National" in its title brought great credit to the Gaidhealtachd, to Gaelic and Scotland's traditional music heritage.

Convener Michael Foxley spoke of his pleasure at hearing the students playing outside, adding that in 17 years on the council he had never had so many e-mails and protests as those that came in support of the school. But then 43 councillors voted in favour of withdrawing the 300,000 funding, 25 against, two abstaining.

Students left the council chamber angry, frustrated and despondent. They expected councillors to recognise their funding came from Edinburgh, that the pupils come from all over Scotland and to recognise them as ambassadors promoting our musical heritage to an international audience. They asked councillors to ensure national money was safe in their hands. It wasn't. Promises were made to "explore all possibilities and options" of alternative funding". We have 15 months to hold them to their word.

GEORGE HENDRY

Chair Plockton High School Parent Council

Balnacra, Strathcarron