Govan Schools and Community Pipe Band

That the Parliament recognises the ongoing good work of the Govan Schools and Community Pipe Band; understands that the band was born out of an idea in 2013 by retired police inspector Iain MacPherson and retired constable Iain Watson, with the aim to bring the joy of music to the local community, and to give children, who may otherwise not have access, the opportunity to learn a traditional Scottish instrument such as the bagpipes or pipe band snare drum; considers that, since 2013, the project has seen nearly 600 pupils and secured 14 pipers and drummers who went on to form a mixed schools band that is part of the after-school club in Govan High School; notes that, post-COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the band competed in its first competition in the 2022 Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Dumbarton, and came first in its grade; commends the band for, from their first competition to the present, having been on the prize list of every competition that it has taken part in, bar one; acknowledges that the band gained promotion to grade 4A for the 2025 pipe band competition season, and has already won its first competition in the new grade; believes that the dedication that the band members have shown in learning their respective instruments has directly helped them in their higher education and career paths; commends the years of hard work and dedication to this project by Iain MacPherson, Iain Watson, Stevie Burns, and Alan McGeachie, and everyone else involved, and thanks them for shining a light on the talent and accomplishments of the people of Govan.