The NSSP in Scotland is led by the Dioceses of Aberdeen, Paisley and Motherwell with brand new programmes launched this September by St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow.

Sir John Rutter, patron of the NSSP, commented on the growth of the programme in Scotland’s two largest cities:

‘I’ve always loved composing music for young choirs and I’ve witnessed first-hand the thrill of children learning to read music and exploring the potential of their voices in schools, churches and cathedrals. This is a marvellous development and gives the gift of music to more children: a gift which I know they will carry through their whole lives.’

At a recent Mass for primary schools at Carfin Grotto, a group of gifted choir members from schools across the Diocese of Motherwell SSP led the singing of over 2,000 children with energy and reverence. Renowned composer, Patrick Doyle, has recently composed a school hymn Canticum Benedicti for the SSP and remarked at the recent premiere:

‘It was such a privilege and a joy to write this hymn for St Benedict’s. The inaugural Mass was deeply moving, and the kids gave it their all!’

Paisley’s SSP is focused in Inverclyde where the diocese has a large cluster of Catholic primary schools. One of the headteachers writes:

‘I have been fortunate to be involved in the NSSP programme in two different schools now and can say that its impact is far reaching. The children have been taught about Liturgical music, have prepared for their Sacraments and have learned about how to fully participate in the Liturgy, all in a fun and engaging way. The results of this specialist input are obvious week on week, securing its importance in our curriculum.’

The Diocese of Aberdeen reported a moving example of the power of music in schools, where a mother had stated tearfully that her son – who had previously been non-verbal – was now beginning to form sentences for the first time. His speech therapists pointed to his involvement with the SSP as a significant contribution to this remarkable development.