Two epic local girls have just been accepted to play for the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland (NYPBoS).

Chloe Donald, 12, of Netherthird, and Angel Blackhurst,11, of Logan have been training with EPIC East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy for the past two years, and have been members of Kilmarnock Pipe Band for the past year.

Their achievement has been put down to the high quality of tuition and opportunities in Cumnock. 

Cumnock Chronicle:

The girls had to submit a 10-minute solo video performance to pass the first round of auditions, before being selected to do an in-person audition at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow.

There, they had to perform, join in group lessons, and were interviewed by the leaders of the band.

Their instructor, Karen McCrindle said: “Everyone here at EPIC is just so proud of them – not just for getting in but for going for it in the first place – for putting in all the extra work, stress and tears and putting themselves out there when it would be much easier to stay where they are.

Cumnock Chronicle: "They are a great example and huge inspiration to all of our other players and the most incredible wee team.

"We are over the moon for them both.”

As part of the NYPBoS the girls will get to perform in Perth Concert Hall next spring along with various other opportunities throughout the year, and get to participate in workshops along with some of Scotland’s best young talent. 

Cumnock Chronicle:

The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland selects the best young players from across the country between ages 10 – 25.

Being selected for the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland is the equivalent to a footballer being selected to play for the national team.

Chloe and Angel will play for their local clubs (EPIC and Kilmarnock) but will also be called up to play for the Scotland team.