North Walls and Gordonstoun Schools make soundwaves for the RNLI

An uplifting musical collaboration took place in Hoy on Monday 27 March with the pupils of North Walls Community School performing with musicians from Gordonstoun School, who were on tour in Orkney.

Not only was the concert a chance for the pupils to work together, but the event also raised around £350 for the RNLI Longhope lifeboat.

The two schools rehearsed together in the morning at North Walls, with additional showcases from musical groups from Gordonstoun, ranging from traditional Scottish folk songs to jazz.

The schools jointly performed the Skye Boat song and the Orcadian song, The Bride’s Lament before a packed audience at the Gable End Theatre.

The local Lifeboat Guild organised refreshments and a raffle raising the grand total.

North Walls Head Teacher, Andy Trafford said: “It was fantastic to watch the North Walls youngsters on stage with so much confidence, even to the point of one of our eager pupils announced quite happily to the audience, when there was a short delay, ‘Well I’m ready!’

“For the North Walls pupils to be able to be part of and perform with other musicians and choristers from one of the UK’s top independent schools is an invaluable experience. The event was attended by parents, members of the community and members of the Longhope Lifeboat crew.

Mr Trafford explained how the event came about: “The Development Trust received an email from the Head of Music at Gordonstoun asking where they might be able to perform on Hoy. It was too good an opportunity to miss; the two schools got their heads together to create what has been a wonderful collaborative day for a great cause.

“We are grateful for the help given by a huge number of people across the school and Hoy community. Finally, a massive thank you to Gordonstoun School for visiting our island and spending time with our children and producing such a special event and for raising funds for the RNLI to help save lives at sea.”

North Walls pupil Lexi (9) commented: “It was fun. I was nervous at the beginning, but I was fine at the end. It was interesting because of all the instruments.”

Katy (5) added: “I enjoyed all of it. My favourite was probably the mini harp and my favourite song was The Bride’s Lament.”