Young South Queensferry violinist awarded Bursary Fund from NYOS

Daniel led National Youth Orchestras of Scotland’s flagship ensemble, NYOS Symphony Orchestra in 2019 and was recently invited, as a senior member of NYOS, to perform alongside players from Scottish Ensemble in a cutting-edge digital film project titled Travelling Dreams.

He is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Music with Honours degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Speaking about the Bursary award, Daniel said: “I am extremely honoured and thankful to the Endowment Trust of the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland for awarding me the Colin MacLean Bursary.

"This award will make a huge difference to my life as without this assistance, I would not have been able to continue further studies at the Royal Academy.

"My time playing with the orchestra was very special and I have very fond memories of my time on the courses.

"I will be forever grateful to NYOS for their generous support, and I am looking forward to commencing my Master of Arts degree at the Royal Academy of Music in September 2021.”

Judith Archibald, head of ensembles at NYOS, said: “Daniel has been playing with NYOS Symphony Orchestra since 2016, he went on to lead the orchestra in 2019 and has been a key member of the Symphony Orchestra throughout his time with NYOS.

"I am delighted Daniel has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Colin MacLean bursary award.”

The bursary, awarded annually, was set up to celebrate Colin MacLean’s immense contribution to youth music in Scotland over more than four decades. In the mid-70s he played a vital role in establishing the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

Daniel now hopes to complete his Master of Arts at the Royal Academy of Music before going on to have as wide and varied a music career as he possibly can, which he also hopes will include tutoring or teaching at some level.

Daniel will receive the £2,000 Bursary to further his studies and professional career.