A WORLD centre of excellence for pipe music is planned at Cowcaddens,
Glasgow.
The #3m project, which will breathe life into the derelict McPhater
Street Church, is being organised by a new charity, the Piping Trust.
The aim is to encourage awareness of pipe music and the cultural
heritage attached to it.
When complete in 18 months, the former church building will
incorporate the College of Piping, now in Otago Street, and provide
rehearsal and performance facilities, a reference library with sound
archive, a museum, and student accommodation.
The initiative, launched yesterday at the Royal Scottish Academy of
Music and Drama, has already attracted support from Glasgow Development
Agency, Glasgow District Council, and Historic Scotland. Together they
have provided #1.5m towards the project.
At a news conference to launch an appeal for the remaining #1.5m, Mr
Sandy Grant Gordon, chairman of the trust, was optimistic.
He said that already nearly a third of the money needed had been
donated by the Robertson Trust, William Grant and Sons Ltd, and the
Foundation for Sports and the Arts.
The appeal is expected to attract backing from individuals and
companies both in Scotland and farther afield, particularly among Scots
living in the United States.
Mr Gordon said: ''The massive worldwide increase in interest for
piping means that this branch of music now urgently needs to be provided
with an appropriate platform giving better access to piping heritage.
This initiative also gives piping the measure of cultural status it has
deserved for years, particularly as a national ambassador for
Scotland.''
Lord Provost Robert Innes welcomed the plan. It was appropriate that
Glasgow had been chosen as the centre, having held the world pipe band
championships for many years.
''Given Glasgow's increased standing on the international tourist
circuit, it is important to recognise the part colourful tradition plays
in attracting visitors to our city,'' he said.
Mr Stuart Gulliver, chief executive of the GDA, said that the project
had the power to complement the city and Scotland's reputation in the
arts world, while creating economic and environmental benefits.
The Principal of The College of Piping, Mr Seaumas MacNeill, said the
launch of the appeal marked an important day in the history of the
college, which has moved on four occasions in the last 50 years.
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