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Save the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music
The Highland Council is proposing removal of its funding from the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music, based at Plockton High School, in a proposed wide-ranging cuts package.
The National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music has been an integral part of Scottish traditional music for more than 10 years and has provided a pathway for many, including Fèis participants, to further study in their chosen musical discipline and, for those who chose it, a career in music.
We are asking you to support the campaign opposing withdrawal of funding from the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music by signing the petition here http://www.gopetition.com/petition/42495/sign.html
The Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd a’ moladh taic-airgid a tharraing bho Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, stèidhichte ann an Àrdsgoil a’ Phluic, a-measg grunn ghearraidhean a thathas a’ cur air adhart. Tha Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd air a bhith na pàirt uabhasach cudromach de cheòl traidiseanta na h-Alba far còrr is 10 bliadhna agus tha i air slighe a thoirt do dhaoine òga, com-pàirtichean bho Fèisean nam measg, gu ionnsachadh aig àrd ìre nan roghainn de ionnsramaid no sgilean ciùil eile agus air adhart, dhaibhsan a dh’iarr a leithid, gu cosnadh ann an ceòl.
Tha sinn a’ sireadh ur taic an aghaidh maoin a thoirt air falbh bho Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd le bhith ag iarraidh oirbh ur n-ainm a chur ris an athchuinge a tha seo http://www.gopetition.com/petition/42495/sign.html
Source: Fèisean nan Gàidheal
Agree completely with both the above – Highland Council may well be strapped for cash, but what right do they have to close a National Centre? What public consultation has been carried out, or evidence produced to support this? The Scottish Government partially fund the Centre, should they not have a say? If Highland can’t afford it, perhaps the Centre should be moved somewhere else where Scotland’s traditional music is held in higher esteem. Voluntary organisations like the Fèisean do a wonderful job, as do individual music teachers and initiatives like YMI, but if we are serious about strengthening Scotland’s cultural identity and national heritage as an economic as well as a social advantage, we need more Centres like this across the country, rather than suggest closing the only one we have.
Agreed on all of that, but playing Devil’s Advocate here, how about the argument that if it is a national centre, then central government rather than Highland Council should be funding it?
Please sign the petition!
Dougie Pincock has been an inspirational Director of the National Centre since its inception and he and his team of dedicated tutors have been hugely influential in the resurgence of traditional music in recent years. There is an exciting, vibrant scene in Scotland with great numbers of astonishingly talented young players making traditional music visible, accessible, popular – and audible! This is in no small part the result of what has been achieved at Plockton.
There is no question that the cultural, social and economic impact of Plockton has been enormously significant.
The National Centre is a National Treasure – keep it!
Go to http://www.gopetition.com/petition/42495.html to sign the petition and encourage all friends and colleagues to do likewise.