MUSIC tuition for children in Clackmannanshire has been saved from the chop, after a last-ditch amendment was tabled at a recent special council meeting.

Budget proposals set forth by the SNP administration included a "review" of music tuition, which would have saved the public purse £118,125 next year.

The papers also estimate that £70,875 would have been cut from the council's expenditure in 2017-18.

However, while elected members were debating the budget last Tuesday (February 23), councillor Archie Drummond staged a late intervention, calling for the SNP administration to reconsider.

He told the chamber there are many children in the county for whom music is their "sport equivalent" yet the funding for sports activities remains at around £4million.

Councillor Drummond also said music remains the sole means for many youngsters to express themselves and to develop a variety of interpersonal skills.
He said: "I want to argue for the continuation of music tuition in schools. As a parent and grandparent I want so see my family grow to what they can be.

"It's a perverse world we live in where we are forced to contemplate paying millions not to employ people but cannot find the £118,125 required to maintain music tuition, which is lower than the sum the council gives to Dollar Academy each year."

Councillor Drummond suggested transferring the money for music tuition from the employment fund, also put forth in the budget.

The purse, said to be around £4.8million, was established to secure the release of any council employees who "choose to leave the council's employment this year".

His amendment was seconded by education convener Ellen Forson and her SNP colleagues, but opposed by the Labour group.

Councillor George Matchett described the move by the independent councillor as "quite scandalous" arguing the money would have better spent to the maintain support staff at Lochies special school in Sauchie.

His sentiment was echoed by fellow Labour members Janet Cadenhead and Bobby McGill.

Nevertheless, the amendment was passed by nine votes to eight, ensuring the funding for music will continue.

The U-turn was welcomed by the Hillfoots Music for Youth (HMFY) group, who teach around 150-180 kids during their weekly rehearsals at Alva Primary School.
A statement from the HMFY Parents Committee said: "We are relieved that the budget proposal...has not been accepted and we welcome Councillor Drummond's amendment to the budget regarding this.

"For 20 years, Hillfoots Music For Youth has had the pleasure of seeing children developing their individual talents, confidence, personalities and moving on to positive destinations.

"The proposed changes, or savings, would likely have had serious implications for the delivery of the music service and on Hillfoots Music For Youth as a community group.

"It is important that music takes its place in the curriculum, on par with sports and other academic subjects."

The HMFY group is hosting a concert at Alloa Town Hall on March 18, from 7.30-9.30pm, and are currently building towards their 20th anniversary with concerts scheduled for the start of June.