Seven new arts projects, ranging from bagpipes to contemporary dance, have been the recipients of grants in the latest funding round from the Scottish Arts Council (SAC). A total of £176,828 was distributed through the Arts Council from Lottery funds to organisations including the Kirkwall City Pipe Band in Orkney, who received £15,000 to purchase new bagpipes and other equipment. The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra was the recipient of £77,258 towards a new recording studio and extending their tour schedule, while the Topiary Dance Company from Birmingham received £8,170 to create a new live Jazz and contemporary dance theatre to tour throughout Scotland. Stuart MacDonald, Head of Arts Development for the Scottish Arts Council, praised the variety of projects funded. 'It is exciting to be able to support such a diverse group of projects,' he commented. 'Funding new equipment will have direct benefit to the people who regularly participate in these activities and their audiences. The artists will be able to expand their skill into new and creative areas,' Mr MacDonald said. The full list of recipients are: Glasgow Print Studio Limited - £25,667 Towards the cost of constructing a digital imaging suite to improve traditional print making facilities. Kirkwall City Pipe Band - £15,000 Towards the cost of purchasing chanters, bagpipes and drums. Carnegie Hall (Dunfermline) - £25,000 Towards research to find out the characteristics, opinions and behaviour of local audiences. Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (Lanark) - £77,258 Towards the cost of purchasing a live performance sound system and studio mixing / recording equipment. Topiary Dance Company (Birmingham) - £8,170 Towards creation of a new live Jazz music and contemporary dance theatre which will tour throughout Scotland in May 2003 Falkirk Council (Falkirk) - £7,662 Towards working with children on composition, performance and recording of a piece of original music. City of Edinburgh Council (Edinburgh) - £18,071 Towards a profile raising and audience development project promoting Traditional Arts activities throughout Edinburgh.