Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie performs charity gig at Warddykes Primary School

Singer-songwriter Callum Beattie has headlined a special school concert to raise awareness for a music therapy charity.

The Scottish singer-songwriter, who won big at the Scottish Music Awards after taking home the Hardrock Café Breakthrough prize, wowed a full assembly at Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath.

The event, hosted by Specsavers and charity partner Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy, saw children enjoy Callum’s hits including Salamander Street and Heart Stops Breaking, as well as some classic pop and rock covers.

Nordoff and Robbins has worked with Warddykes Primary School for eight years, supporting pupils with music therapy sessions.

Last summer, Specsavers announced the music therapy charity as its official charity partner for Scotland, donating £50,000 towards the charity’s services across the country.

The high street optician also sponsored the Scottish Music Awards 2023 for the fifth consecutive year.

Callum Beattie, who released his second album Vandals earlier this year, is a longstanding supporter of charity Nordoff and Robbins.

He said: “I loved seeing the smiles on the pupils’ faces, it reminds me of the impact live music has.

“The young people had a great time during my performance and I could see plenty of them singing along. 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.”

Jennifer Stephenson, store director at Specsavers Dundee and north Scotland regional chair, said: “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 hard working 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.”

Alison Galloway, headteacher 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.

“Thank you to Nordoff and Robbins and Specsavers for making this happen.”

Specsavers’ £50,000 donation to Nordoff and Robbins will support a range of endeavours, from the acquisition of new instruments to the training of new music therapists, to better facilitate the charity’s work with people throughout Scotland.

Nordoff and Robbins has been a pioneer in music therapy for 60 years, harnessing the power of music to help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.

The charity’s work can be transformative for a wide range of people, from an adult living with dementia reconnecting with family to a neurodivergent child expressing themselves through music.

For more information on Nordoff and Robbins, please visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk