Applications are open for the 2021 Peter Cook Scholarships. These scholarships are available to members of Pipe Bands Australia and affiliated organisations. The scholarships will focus on educational and training opportunities for pipers across Australia. The scholarship may be used for any approved accredited educational and training activity that will assist in the musical advancement of the applicant. It may also include solo piping competition entry fees for the following 12 months in the applicant’s home state. The scholarship is for a tenure of 12 months only and may be awarded to a person only once.

Peter Cook tragically lost his life in a car accident just days before the 2014 Australian Pipe Band Championships. He had been secretary of Pipe Bands Victoria for more than a decade at the time of his death and had been recognised with life membership of Pipe Bands Australia through the branch.

He had a lifelong passion for piping and pipe bands, but in particular, solo piping and was heavily involved with the former Pipers’ Club of Victoria as an executive member. His passion for piping and bands was unwavering, and he dedicated much time to the function of every organisation promoting piping with which he was involved. Peter bequeathed a sum of money for the advancement of solo piping, and his family have elected to establish the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship in his honour and perpetually acknowledge Peter’s love of bagpipes.

Pipe Bands Australia and Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association expresses their appreciation to the Cook family in establishing the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship.

Applications for the 2021 scholarships are now open and will close on 30 June 2021. The application form may be downloaded at www.pipebandsaustralia.com.au/cook-scholarship