Piping Tutor Farewell

Last week we said farewell and thank you to Domhnall Padruig Nicholson as he 'retired' from his role as Castlebay School's volunteer chanter and piping tutor. Domhnall Padruig has been instrumental in many ways to the delivery of music teaching in Castlebay School.

He has dedicated his time weekly over many years to teach children the chanter and pipes, including trips to join the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band and mainland excursions such as the School Pipe Band Championships and Celtic Connections: Dìleab.

Head Teacher for Castlebay Community and Eoligarry Primary Schools , Suzanne Forman 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, Domhnall Padruig was also there to support us during the more challenging times. I very much hope that he will continue to visit us once things return to normal!”

Castlebay Community and Eoligarry Primary Schools Piping Tutor, Donald 'Ban' MacDonald said, “As the school's piping tutor, I would like to thank Domhnall Padruig very much indeed for all his hard work and assistance to me. This he did on a purely voluntary basis over the past few years. I would like to wish him well as he retires from his school role.”

Castlebay Community and Eoligarry Primary Schools Music Teacher, 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 S6 pupil said, “I feel very fortunate to have been taught the pipes by Dòmhnall Phàdraig. I’d like to thank him for his patience and all his encouragement over the years. On behalf of the pupils, staff and parents, the school presented Domhnall Padruig with a Blair chanter which is fittingly engraved with ‘Ceud Mìle Taing bhon a h-uile duine ann an Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil’.