Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust

SSPDT was formed with the belief that pipe bands are much more than a musical pastime; they develop life and employability skills and attributes such as teamwork, shared and individual achievement, resilience and perseverance, self confidence, camaraderie and a sense of discipline and dress. In time they open doors to travel through competition and cultural exchange. Pipe bands are also a source of pride and focus for schools and communities.

We encourage piping and drumming in state schools leading to the development of pipe bands by working in partnership with organisations such as schools, local authorities and other partners.  We work pro-actively with partners to identify and develop programmes that respond to local priorities.

We organise and fund the world’s largest competition for schools. The Championships encourage the formation of school pipe bands with taster grades for schools with no competing experience as well as providing a forum for schools competing at the highest level. The Freestyle category showcases the versatility of the pipes and drums in combination with other instruments.

We support pipe band programmes in state schools by awarding cash grants, offering guidance and lending bagpipes to eligible organisations.

We aim to deliver high quality programmes that meet national standards, that help young people gain accredited qualifications, and that support professional development for instructors.