THE Hub at Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School in Tranent has been keeping its pupils and school community entertained during lockdown through the power of music.

Clare Palmer-Fairbairn, the school’s depute head teacher, knew how much children at The Hub benefited from music so reached out to Cairnsie, a father and daughter music duo from Dunbar.

The pair, also known as Graham and Melissa Cairns, have been performing together for the past six years after Melissa joined her dad on stage at the Dunbar Traditional Music Festival aged 14.

They write their own music and have played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Dunbar Street Art Festival.

Clare asked the pair to record songs the school could share for home learning and during virtual assemblies, bringing Cairnsie’s work to a new audience online.

Clare said: “I gave them a list of songs we love to sing and sign and they responded rapidly saying they felt quite honoured to be asked!

“They have been working hard on songs which they have now shared on their Facebook page and we have shared on Twitter and Google Classroom.”

Two of the songs requested were Count On Me by Bruno Mars and The Believers by Deacon Blue.

The songs were not part of Cairnsie’s regular repertoire but Melissa and Graham quickly taught themselves the music.

The project is close to their hearts, as Graham’s wife Ruth is an ASN auxiliary at West Barns Primary School and the family are heavily involved in local charitable initiatives.

Music is a big part of The Hub’s activities and the school team were keen to continue this connection and learning with their children and families.

Clare said: “We use signalong within The Hub but also across the whole school. This is part of the whole school approach to developing a total communication environment that promotes inclusive communication for all.

“The engagement on Google Classroom with the music has been fantastic; this is where we share the videos so that families can enjoy them together to start the morning or for virtual assembly time. 

“I have had staff send personal messages saying they have found the music videos and dedications uplifting and very special.”

Melissa said: “Cairnsie know that music is such an inclusive, positive influence on people’s lives, and it’s a privilege to be asked to play for The Hub, who do amazing work. We’d also like to pay tribute to all of the wonderful NHS and other key workers who are looking after all of us.”

People can watch the performance of The Believers at bit.ly/2XwsoPO