It's not just Black Dyke that has benefitted from a welcome financial boost this Christmas, as Tullis Russell Mills Band has just found out that it has been awarded £20,000 from the Scottish Government backed Fife Taskforce.

Local help

The body was set up following the news earlier this year that the long established Tullis Russell factory had gone in administration with the loss of over 320 jobs. Its aim is to support local communities hit hardest by the collapse of an integral part of the social and financial well being of the area.

The band is among a number of local organisations that will benefit from funding through the Fife Taskforce, which is also supported by Fife Council. The £20,000 will be used to help protect the long-term future of the band, working towards achieving charitable status and in establishing a local musical centre of excellence.

Announcement

The announcement came after the band had just filled the local Rothes Hall with music alongside the Markinch & District Community Choir and the South Parks Primary School Choir.

A Taskforce spokesperson said: "We are delighted that the Fife Taskforce has hit the right notes, supporting this band by investing £20,000 to secure their future and growth.

The Tullis Russell closure has been a major blow to the local community and we remain focused on supporting those affected recover from this event."

Valued

Cllr. David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, added: "The Tullis Russell Mills Band is a highly valued local organisation that encourages young people into music and provides entertainment for many others.

I'm very pleased that we have been able to provide support for this valuable local group through the Task Force."

The development of a musical centre of excellence will allow us to give more young people in the Glenrothes area the opportunity to learn how to play an instrumentSteven Craig, Tullis Russell Mills

Delighted

A delighted Steven Craig, of Tullis Russell Mills Band added: "This Summer the band feared for its future. We would have found it very difficult, especially over the next few years to continue without this investment and support.

It has not only helped the band enormously but it has given us confidence for the future. The development of a musical centre of excellence will allow us to give more young people in the Glenrothes area the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument.

The benefits of learning to play an instrument are not limited to making music but are life skills that can be applied to almost anything that you put your mind to.

It builds individual confidence as well as creating a stronger community."