Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh has become the first school in the Highlands to receive the prestigious We Make Music Schools Gold Award, recognising an exceptional and deeply rooted commitment to musical education and culture.
The honour, awarded by the independent charity Music Education Partnership Group, places the Portree Gaelic school among only five in Scotland to reach Gold standard.
The award celebrates schools where music is not an add-on but a living part of daily life, woven through teaching, community, culture and creativity.
On Friday 7 November, MEPG manager Mae Murray and Education Scotland’s Neil Millar travelled to Portree to present the award to teacher Eilidh Beaton, who led the school’s successful submission.
Head teacher Flora Guidi said the Gold Award reflects years of dedication from staff, tutors, parents and pupils.
“This is a national award and we are delighted to receive this accolade,” she said.
“Our school values at BSGP are càirdeas, cànan, cultar agus coimhearsnachd and musical activities are integral to promoting these.
“We believe music supports pupils’ health and wellbeing and strengthens their understanding of our own Gaelic culture and others throughout the world.
“Through music we develop children’s oral language skills and their confidence, and we link with our communities through performances throughout the year.”
The school’s music provision is extensive, vibrant and community-driven.
Every child from Sgoil Àraich to P7 learns Gaelic songs in class and sings together. Weekly assemblies feature performances from pupils of all ages.
Angus MacKenzie of the band Dàimh teaches tin whistle, ukulele and other instruments to P3–P7, and also runs an after-school club.
Singing sessions are delivered by Mrs Kirsteen Graham for all SA–P7 pupils, supported by the Parent Council and Urras an Eilein.
Older pupils regularly perform at Taigh na Drochaid and Home Farm Nursing Home, while many take part each year in the local and national Mòd.
High Life Highland instructors offer free lessons in piping, chanter, fiddle, strings and pipe band drumming, with demand often outstripping availability.
Visiting musicians from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Kodály practitioners and Youth Music Initiative projects enrich the school’s calendar further, making music a constant thread from nursery to upper primary.
Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, praised the achievement.
“Congratulations to staff and pupils on receiving this accolade which recognises a strong commitment to music in education,” he said.
“Music is a vitally important part of our culture in Highland and it is encouraging to see it embedded so successfully within our schools.”
MEPG’s Mae Murray said the award reflects a school where creativity thrives.
“Huge congratulations to Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh,” she said.
“Your hard work, talent and dedication to the arts truly shines.”
Education Scotland’s Neil Millar said the Gold Award recognises a school where music sits at the heart of daily life.
“The way music permeates the school ethos is clear to everyone,” he said.
“I warmly congratulate the pupils, staff, parents and community on achieving this national award.”
In a region where music carries history, identity and pride, Portree’s Gaelic school has shown what can be achieved when a community puts creativity at the centre of education.
