A COMPETITION to find Scotland’s next superstar young composer and an iconic new tune for our national instrument has launched.

Piping Hit 2018 is inviting youngsters across the country to compose a tune for the Great Highland Bagpipe.

The competition is open to every school pupil in Scotland.

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Music charity organisers, the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), want to showcase some of Scotland’s young musical talent.

Entrants must make a recording of the tune played on the pipes, but composers don’t have to be able to play the pipes themselves. The tune must be an original piece of work and can be as traditional as Scotland the Brave or more contemporary.

Kenny Forsyth, chair of the judging panel and an SSPDT trustee, said: “We have some fantastic young musical talent in Scotland and we are looking forward to hearing what they compose.

“The pipes are used in so many different types of music now and we want to encourage all pupils to get involved, whether they play the pipes or not. The tune doesn’t have to be what is considered a typical traditional Scottish melody, it could be as modern as Ed Sheeran or Katy Perry.

“The judges will be looking out for tunes that have the power to connect with an audience.

“The winner will receive £250 as well as £1000 for their school’s music department. The winning tune will also be performed at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships in March 2018 – the world’s largest competition of its type.”

Lorne MacDougall, piper, composer and one of the judging panel, said: “Composing is not only great for getting the creative juices flowing, its also very therapeutic and a good way to express yourself.

“It can also lead to lots of exciting prospects. I’ve written and performed music for TV and film including Doctor Who, Brave, and How to Train Your Dragon and it all started with getting involved with piping when I was at school.”

Deadline for entries is January 19. 2018 and full competition rules and entry details can be found on www.sspdt.org.uk.