South Ayrshire Council News

The British Army’s Scotland wide Pipers' Trail will be in Ayr on Thursday 17 July 2008 when they will be delighting the town with the sound of their bagpipes.

The Pipers' Trail is a unique musical journey that will see Army Pipers visiting many towns and cities across Scotland and demonstrating the important part that they play in local communities.

Between 14 July 2008 and 17 July 2008 the focus will be on Ayr when a number of exciting events take place in and around the town centre. There will be special workshops in Ayr run by the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. The workshops can be attended by beginners or pipers who would like to develop their piping or drumming skills. Expert tuition will be available for people of all ages for more information log on to www.thepiperstrail.com/join-in/join-in-the-pipers-trail or contact Drum Major Drew Caldwell on telephone number 07796 938742.

On Thursday 17 July 2008 South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan will welcome the Pipers and Drummers of the Pipers' Trail Band to Ayr. The Provost will then send them off to pipe a trail around the town centre to announce an afternoon of fun on the Low Green. The Army pipers and other musicians will make their way through the centre of the town with veterans, cadets, military and youth bands joining them on route as they make their way to the Low Green in Ayr. Further information on how to take part can be found by logging on to www.thepiperstrail.com.

Speaking about the event Provost Sloan said: "I feel very honoured that the Army have picked Ayr as one of the towns to take part in the Pipers Trail. Ayr and South Ayrshire have very strong military connections, so the Army can be assured of a warm welcome when they visit.

"The Pipers' Trail will clearly demonstrate the important part that the Army plays in Scottish communities and the way in which it is always willing to give something back. Many local people will learn a lot when they take part in the piping workshops and I am sure that the instructors will be very inspiring.

"Once the Pipers have paraded around Ayr town centre they will return to the Low Green and join in a celebration event to which everyone is invited. With so much taking place on the Low Green I am sure that there will be something to interest everyone."

The special event on the Low Green in Ayr will include:

• A selection of the Army’s vehicles including a Challenger 2MBT.
• A performance of a specially commissioned Pipers’ Trail play.
• Golden Lions Parachute display team.
• Army field kitchen cooking.
• A range of stalls.
• Face painting for children.