SSE Renewables has announced its sponsorship of the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band for the coming year.
The sponsorship package of the 30-strong band includes a donation of £9,500 which has helped support the group’s trip to Calgary, Canada, as well as new kit bags and other publicity materials.
The sponsorship of the pipe band is in addition to the community investment funds set up for the benefit of local areas that host its renewables projects. It also builds on SSE’s other Highland sponsorships such as the Shinty Camanachd cup and the recent Hydro Highland Scramble at Brora Golf club.
Graham MacKenzie, Chairman of the Pipe Band, said: "The Sutherland Schools Pipe Band Committee is extremely grateful to SSE for their sponsorship. Band members are drawn from throughout the Sutherland area with members from Helmsdale, Brora, Golspie, Rogart and Lairg.
"With the company’s commitment to projects at Gordonbush near Brora; Strathy North; Achany and other new proposed projects near Lairg; the link with the band shows SSE’s support for communities across Sutherland and in particular those where band members are based.
"As well as our trips abroad the band supports local communities by playing at Gala Weeks, Highland Games and of course the cruise ships docking at Invergordon. The band members are proud to be associated with SSE Renewables and are delighted to be able to promote the link at the venues where they play."
Ruth Liddicoat, SSE Renewables Liaison Manager for the Sutherland area: said "We are delighted to be sponsoring such a talented and hard-working group as the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band. They are highly respected within piping circles, not just in Sutherland and across Scotland, but also around the world, and their music is enjoyed by many.
"The fact that they are so strongly involved with many of the communities in which we work is a lovely synergy, and our support has been warmly received. We hope that our sponsorship makes a big difference over the next year and helps them to continue their good work."
The Sutherland Schools Pipe Band was formed in 1984 and is based in Golspie High School, Sutherland. The band members comprise of boys and girls aged between 11 to 17 years old from villages such as Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Rogart, Lairg, Rosehall and Invershin. The band is highly respected across the world and has travelled extensively throughout Scotland, Europe and North America. Band members have played in the presence of his Royal Highness Prince Charles on three occasions, and twice for the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother – the second time was by personal invitation to her Caithness residence, the Castle of Mey.