Piping tutor calls it a day and retires

A man, who, it can be said, has been ‘instrumental’ in furthering piping in the islands, has finally decided to hang up his chanter after five years.
By John A. MacInnes
Published 4th Jan 2021, 11:55 BST
Domhnall padruig retired piping tutor.Domhnall padruig retired piping tutor.
Domhnall padruig retired piping tutor.

Domhnall Padruig Nicholson has ‘retired’ from his role as Castlebay School’s volunteer chanter and piping tutor.

Domhnall Padruig has been central in many ways to the delivery of music teaching in Castlebay School. He dedicated his time over many years to teach children the chanter and pipes,including trips to join the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band.

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He also accompanied students on mainland trips to the School Pipe Band Championships and Celtic Connections.

One of those complimenting him was Dìleab. “We are so fortunate to have had his dedication and expertise, and the amount of young chanter and piper players currently learning are testament to this”.

Suzanne Forman, headteacher at Castlebay and Eoligarry schools said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Domhnall Padruig over many years and been amazed by the progression and talents of his many students. As a member of the wider school staff, he was there to support us during the challenging times. I very much hope that he will continue to visit once things return to normal!”

A number of other individuals lined up to pay thanks to the tutor, including Donald ‘Ban’ MacDonald: “As the Comhairle’s School’s Piping Instructor for Uist and Barra Primary and Secondary schools, I thank Domhnall Padruig very much indeed for all his hard work and assistance. This he did on a purely voluntary basis over the past few years. I wish him well as he retires from his school role.”

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Lisa MacNeil said: “Se urram a bh’ann a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Dòmhnall Phàdraig, duine uasal a tha sàr-eòlach air ceòl na pìoba. Bu leam taing mhòr a thoirt dha airson gach brosachadh agus misneachd a thug e dha na sgoilearan thar nam bliadhnaichean.”

Martin Sinclair a pupil in S6 also commented: “I feel very fortunate to have been taught by Dòmhnall Phàdraig. I’d like to thank him for his patience and all his encouragement over the years.

The school presented Domhnall Padruig with a Blair chanter fittingly engraved with Ceud Mìle Taing bhon a h-uile duine ann an Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil- Many thanks from everyone at Castlebay Community School.