On receiving the award Cliodhna said "This year I am fortunate to be supported by Future Talent as part of their Young Musicians Development Programme" and added "I’ve already had the opportunity to play alongside Sheku Kanneh-Mason in a concert at the Charterhouse, London. So, when they announced the opening of applications for their highly prestigious ‘Coombs Scholarship’ I was very keen to enter." The competition consisted of a preliminary online round – everyone submitted videos that were judged.
The final was held at Holland Park School in Kensington with six competitors from England, Wales and of course Scotland! I performed the Quantz Flute Sonata in E-flat Major followed by my favourite piece from the flute repertoire, the Martin Ballade. The atmosphere was wonderful, all of the competitors were really friendly and supportive - watching each other’s performances. By the end of the long day, I was feeling very happy with my performance, being announced as winner of the scholarship just felt like an extra. The Coombs Scholarship will provide me with £2,000 per year for two years, along with all the benefits of the Young Musicians Development Programme throughout that period. I am thrilled to have received this award which I will use towards the cost of my studies at conservatoire starting next year!