May 5, 2016
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Over 150 young musicians from the Service Cadet organisations and the Boys’ Brigade performed a fantastic Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle on 30 April.
Musicians drawn from throughout Scotland and other parts of the UK took part and performed to a large and appreciative audience.
The Cadets’ Massed Military Bands and Massed Pipes and Drums both played a varied programme of music, before coming together for a Grand Finale and the playing of Sunset as the last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the ancient cobbles of Edinburgh Castle’s historic Esplanade.
The programme included many traditional favourites, including Highland Laddie, When the Battle’s O’er, and more contemporary pieces including from the scores of the movies Star Wars and The Incredibles. The highlight for many was a stirring rendition of Highland Cathedral with the Band and Pipes and Drums playing together to great effect.
The Salute was taken by Maureen McKenna OBE, President of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland. A maths teacher by profession, she has held a number of posts in Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education. She also finds time to be honorary Vice President of Basketball Scotland, being one of the first women to qualify as an international basketball referee.
Speeches were given to invited guests by Robbie Gibson (Chief Executive Lowland RFCA), Colonel Martin Passmore and Brigadier Gary Deakin (Commander 51 Infantry Brigade). Among those who received awards on the night were Cadet LCpl Declan Gillies of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders ACF and Cadet WO Cowan.
