CD REVIEW

"The CD by the Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums School is a delight.

Having heard these youngsters at practice, and then listening to their very credible first public performance, I should not have being surprised by the quality of their playing here, but I was.

 It is hard to remember that they are so young - and these are some of the very youngest pipers in the band, the eldest only fourteen, the youngest eleven - and to believe that they have made so great progress in such a short time.

The musical quality, the iron discipline and the enjoyment of the music would all do credit to a much older and more experienced band, and they have that freshness of youth to enhance their technical skills. Their playing of “Amazing Grace” in particular brings tears to the eye.

It is obvious that a great deal of very hard work, concentration and persistence has gone into the making of this CD. Their Pipe Major, Niall Matheson, and Drum Major, Jackie McCall, are to be congratulated, and thanked, for their efforts.

They and all these Ross and Cromarty youngsters have given their time and attention freely and hearing the results, they must feel it was well worth it. What credit they bring to their schools and their own families- indeed, the whole district benefits from the presence of this talented local band.

The CD should sell well, a bargain at any price. In my opinion, it will become a collectors’ item, the first of many, as the band goes from strength to strength."

Bridget MacKenzie

Author of “Piping Traditions of the North of Scotland” (1998) and “Piping Traditions of Argyll” (2004).

You can listen to samples of our CD and download tracks from:-http://www.scotloads.co.uk/album.php/86/

Copies of the CD can also be obtained from Paul Turner and cost £7.50 plus p&p - U.K 72p, Europe £1.23, Rest of World, £1.80