NORTH Berwick Pipe Band is in the running to receive funding from a supermarket chain.

The band has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with any money raised going towards restarting its after-school and community tuition.

The amount of money it receives will be dependent on the number of Co-op members who select it as their cause; the more members who select it for an award, the more money it will receive.

Co-op members can choose which local causes to back by going online and selecting them via their account.

Every time they buy a Co-op own-brand product, they will receive a five per cent reward for themselves, with a further one per cent going towards the cause they choose.

The funding round started on October 25 and will run for 12 months, until October 23, 2021.

The first payment is due in April.

Derek Easton, from North Berwick Pipe Band, said: “At a time when funds for charitable organisations are becoming difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in North Berwick and the surrounding area.

“Since the start of the current pandemic, our performing and teaching activities have been severely curtailed.

“Even with schools restarting, as an outside group we are not currently permitted access into school premises.

“In addition, the fact that the bagpipe is a wind instrument has also limited what and where we can teach and practise.

“In addition to our current online practices, we are now planning to recommence face-to-face tuition.

“This will involve purchasing electronic practice chanters to allow students and tutors to interact safely.

“As a band with a strong youth element, this will help us maintain and promote traditional Scottish music and culture with the younger generation within our area.

“We really hope that people will visit the website and choose to support us.”

Those who are not members and would like to support the band can join in their local Co-op store or online.

Derek added: “When a community comes together, we’re able to achieve great things.”

For more information about the band, visit www.northberwickpipeband.co.uk