Ever wanted to take up the bagpipes? Here’s your chance.

Top piping instructor Sue McIntyre retired to Merkinch in July after forty years of tutoring award winning pipers. Now she wants to take her strategy of ‘beginners to winners’ to Merkinch.

Sue needs to know if there is demand which is why she has turned to the ‘News and Views’. "If there’s an interest we’ll call a meeting." "I’ve always run it with a committee to get backing from the community", she said. The committee which would include parents would discuss practical things and ways of making it affordable. Sue would like to see a group from Merkinch compete at the highest levels. "If it takes off pupils will be competing in national competitions in Glasgow, Skye and Inverness", she said.

To prove piping is not just hot air you have to take a look at Sue’s former pupils. One man has just completed 22 years of service in the Scots Guards leaving as Pipe Major and another of her pupils was under 16 World Champion three times in four years. Another musical youth won a scholarship to Fettes College on the strength of his piping and rugby skills. This is the college that Prime Minister Tony Blair attended.

Sue takes her piping seriously and expects 6 months of hard work from new pupils to test their commitment. "Absolutely no time wasters", she said.

The committee will look at funding opportunities but Sue has noticed that those pupils who buy their own chanter tend to stick with it. You can buy a chanter for around £20. If this sounds like music to your ears drop in to the Merkinch Enterprise office at 4 Grant Street, or telephone us on 01463 240085, and we’ll pass on your interest to Sue.