PRESTON Lodge High School is hoping a partnership with a national supermarket chain will continue to be music to everyone’s ears.

Scotmid has announced its 2021 sponsorship of the secondary school’s pipe band.

The award continues the strong relationship between the school and the shop.

January last year saw the band perform in front of nearly 1,000 guests at Scotmid’s Guinness World Record-breaking Burns supper in Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Coronavirus restrictions mean the pipe band members cannot get together to perform again.

Scotmid has stepped in to donate £4,000, with the money going to the purchase of 40 chanters to allow members of the band to continue rehearsing at home.

Pipe Major Lee Moore was thankful for the donation.

He said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Scotmid Co-op and are very grateful for the financial contribution they make towards band funds.

“This year, we plan to use the funds to buy a new set of chanters so when we do finally get out again as a band we will be sounding better than ever.

“The pupils are all working harder than ever on their piping and drumming and are showing tremendous resilience during this difficult time.

“The new chanters will be a great morale boost for the pipers.”

Harry Cairney, Scotmid president, lives in Prestonpans and joined musicians from the pipe band at their online rehearsal to celebrate Scotmid’s continued support of the band.

He added: “Scotmid is very proud to continue our support of Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band, at a time where recreational activities and teams are more important than ever. It was wonderful to see so many members.

“Our core purpose is to serve our communities and to improve people’s everyday lives.

“Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band are a vital part of the East Lothian community.”