SCOTS singer Callum Beattie surprised pupils at Warddykes Primary School in a special concert hosted by Specsavers and Nordoff and Robbins.
The Scottish singer-songwriter, winner of the Hardrock Cafe Breakthrough prize at the Scottish Music Awards, wowed students at the Arbroath school with a special performance.
Nordoff and Robbins is a charity that uses music therapy to break through barriers caused by life-limiting illnesses, disability and social isolation. The charity supported pupils at Warddykes Primary School for the past eight years.
Last summer, Specsavers donated £50k to the charity to help their services across the country, and named Nordoff and Robbins their official charity partner for Scotland. The high street optician also sponsored the Scottish Music Awards for the fifth year running.
This donation allow the charity to acquire new instruments, train new music therapists and transform the lives of more people living in Scotland.
Callum Beattie is a longstanding support of Nordoff and Robbins. He said: “I loved seeing the smiles on the pupils’ faces, it reminds me of the impact live music has.
“Having attended Nordoff and Robbins music therapy sessions, I know first-hand the impact music can have on people’s lives.
“It’s encouraging to see Specsavers investing time and money into such an important cause. I’m proud to be a part of it all,” he added.
Alison Galloway, Head Teacher at Warddykes Primary School, said: “The support we have received over the years from Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy sessions is phenomenal.
“Our pupils have benefited hugely from music therapy, helping to improve their self-confidence and communication skills.
“It was a real pleasure to welcome Callum Beattie for this special performance. This is a memory that the children won’t forget anytime soon, it was so well received.”
Specsaver’s North Scotland regional chair, Jennifer Stephenson, commented: “The joy on the children’s faces when Callum first started singing was lovely to see, it was such a well-deserved treat for these hardworking pupils.
“Supporting Nordoff and Robbins is our priority this year, and to see the exceptional work they do first-hand is amazing. Callum’s performance was out of this world.
“Nordoff and Robbins helps people connect through their senses, which closely reflects the work we do at Specsavers which is why it makes such an ideal partnership.”
