The Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust has launched its 2025 funding round and is inviting applications from young musicians and youth music groups.

The Trust is keen to see as many applications as possible from all genres and disciplines of music across the length and breadth of Scotland and Douglas Alexander MP is helping promote it to groups and individuals in East Lothian.

Eilidh’s Trust was established as a small grants charity in memory of the 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra who was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. It supports young musicians in recognition of her own love of music and ability as a piper in the local school pipe band.

In 2024 the Trust supported over 2000 young musicians by distributing over £43,000 to 52 individuals and groups from Orkney to Dumfries. This takes the total number of grants made since the Trust was established in 2018 to over 100 and their combined value to over £100,000.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“Since 2018, Eilidh’s Trust has done wonderful work supporting young musicians and youth music groups. This latest round of grant funding is a welcome opportunity for more individuals and groups to apply for funding to support their activity.

“I would encourage young musicians and youth music groups in the Lothian East constituency to explore applying for funding before the deadline on Friday 27th June.”

Youth music groups and young musicians have until 11.59pm on Friday 27th June 2025 to apply.

All applications should be made via the Trust’s website at www.eilidhstrust.org.uk.