Award for young Helmsdale musician
A young East Sutherland musician who composed a special tune to play at the recent Battle of Littleferry memorial ceremony, has won an award.
April Sutherland (18), of Helmsdale, is one of five recipients of a John Preston Young Musician Award.
A long-time member of Sutherland Schools Pipe Band, April, who also plays the whistle and piano, has performed with the band in Canada and Spain and is now its Pipe Major.
She also plays with Gizzen Briggs and enjoys composing her own music.
April has paid tribute to Feis Chataibh for introducing her to traditional music when she was a pupil at Helmsdale Primary School.
She is set to leave Sutherland later this year to take up a place on the BEd (Hons) Music degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, but hopes to return when she is qualified.
The John Preston Memorial Fund was set up in memory of pioneering music executive and former BMG and BPI chairman John Preston.
The Fund is managed by Highlands-based charity the Liam Colgan Music Fund on behalf of John’s widow Roz Preston and in association with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Award recipients will receive £500 each to support their musical endeavours.
