An East Ayrshire pipe band celebrated the end of 2023 with two nominations in the 'pipes|drums' New Year’s Honours List.
Based in Toronto, Canada, pipes|drums is a premier piping and drumming publication read across the world.
East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy (EPIC) released a CD of their EPIC New Dawn concert, recorded live in Cumnock this summer, on December 1.
The album was purchased by fans from as far away as Australia, Canada and California.
READ MORE: Young pipers' Cumnock concert album released - after EPIC performance
The EPIC New Dawn CD, featuring EPIC and Kilmarnock Pipe Band, was nominated in the Product of the Year category in the list.
The album is described as "an inspirational recording that shows what can be done when you have leaders with a vision and commitment to making it happen."
EPIC’s lead instructor and Cumnock-born Karen McCrindle Warren was also nominated for 2023 Piper of the Year – a category which included other nominees such as current World Pipe Band Champions Boghall and Bathgate's Pipe Major Ross Harvey.
Reacting to her nomination, and the group's work, Karen said: "It's a huge honour for both EPIC New Dawn and myself to have been nominated in the pipes|drums' New Year’s Honours List, and we are all truly grateful for the consideration amongst such an incredible pool of nominees, and for the very kind words that accompanied each nomination.
"Hopefully all of our players can hold their heads high in the knowledge that we have achieved something truly remarkable as we look to the future."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here