HELENSBURGH and Lomond school pupils are being challenged to take part in an online music competition with prizes of over £2,500 on offer.

The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships are going online due to Covid restrictions and local youngsters are being urged to take part.

The event is being organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), and convener David Johnston said: “We had cancelled the event for 2021 – but then a number of school tutors contacted us asking for the event to go online to help keep young players focused and give them some fun in lockdown.

“So we have slimmed the event down to just one class – the innovative freestyle class where pipes and drums combine with other instruments and singers to give a modern twist to traditional music.”

Schools are being asked to express interest in taking part by February 7 and already eight have signed up.

READ MORE: Hermitage Academy's new acting head gives message of thanks to pupils and staff

The competition will be broadcast online across the weekend starting Friday, March 26, while the public will have the chance to cast their vote in a live people’s choice event two days later.

Some of Scotland’s top musicians will judge the event, including Gary Innes, box player for Manran and presenter of BBC Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and Craig Munro of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Craig said: “Amazing music can be created and orchestrated online now using apps, and this competition opens up a world-wide audience for the youngsters.

“All bands have to do is film their entries using music apps and submit them for judging by March 14. Registrations close on February 7.”

For more details on the event visit the SSPDT website - www.sspdt.org.uk.

Keep up with the latest local headlines right here