Over 200 pupils from Primary 6 and 7 at St Ronan’s, Melrose, Newtown, Lauder St Margaret’s, Drumlanrig, St Joseph’s and Sprouston Priamry Schools took part the Gie it Laldie concert at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels. They were joined by members of the SINGUP! Choir and the Scottish Borders Community Orchestra for the two performances which was conducted by Stephen Deazley.

The cycle of songs for the borders were composed specifically for young voices by composer Lin Marsh. The songs reflect life in the Scottish Borders from a child’s point of view, including soaring over hills and galloping with horses to weaving cloth.

The concerts featured animations created by children at Edenside and Lauder Priamry Schools as a backdrop. Senior pupils also performed their original compositions inspired by the songs.

The feedback has been incredibly positive:
“My son has been on a high all weekend about it. Stephen was great with the kids—wish I could get my kids to do things with a flick of the wrist!”
“It was great to see so many young people on stage giving it laldie in their singing, as well as seeing the orchestra members playing with such enthusiasm. It was very impressive to see the depth of composing talent that we have in the Borders in our young people… what a great way to bring alive what a curriculum for excellence is all about.”