A WORLD centre of excellence for pipe music is planned at Cowcaddens,

Glasgow.

The #3m project, which will breathe life into the derelict McPhater

Street Church, is being organised by a new charity, the Piping Trust.

The aim is to encourage awareness of pipe music and the cultural

heritage attached to it.

When complete in 18 months, the former church building will

incorporate the College of Piping, now in Otago Street, and provide

rehearsal and performance facilities, a reference library with sound

archive, a museum, and student accommodation.

The initiative, launched yesterday at the Royal Scottish Academy of

Music and Drama, has already attracted support from Glasgow Development

Agency, Glasgow District Council, and Historic Scotland. Together they

have provided #1.5m towards the project.

At a news conference to launch an appeal for the remaining #1.5m, Mr

Sandy Grant Gordon, chairman of the trust, was optimistic.

He said that already nearly a third of the money needed had been

donated by the Robertson Trust, William Grant and Sons Ltd, and the

Foundation for Sports and the Arts.

The appeal is expected to attract backing from individuals and

companies both in Scotland and farther afield, particularly among Scots

living in the United States.

Mr Gordon said: ''The massive worldwide increase in interest for

piping means that this branch of music now urgently needs to be provided

with an appropriate platform giving better access to piping heritage.

This initiative also gives piping the measure of cultural status it has

deserved for years, particularly as a national ambassador for

Scotland.''

Lord Provost Robert Innes welcomed the plan. It was appropriate that

Glasgow had been chosen as the centre, having held the world pipe band

championships for many years.

''Given Glasgow's increased standing on the international tourist

circuit, it is important to recognise the part colourful tradition plays

in attracting visitors to our city,'' he said.

Mr Stuart Gulliver, chief executive of the GDA, said that the project

had the power to complement the city and Scotland's reputation in the

arts world, while creating economic and environmental benefits.

The Principal of The College of Piping, Mr Seaumas MacNeill, said the

launch of the appeal marked an important day in the history of the

college, which has moved on four occasions in the last 50 years.