Two epic local girls have recently represented the area on a national stage.

The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland (NYPBS) produced a sell-out show “Imreachd” at Perth Concert Hall, featuring Chloe Donald, 12, of Netherthird, and Angel Blackhurst,11, of Logan.

The NYPBS is made up of Scotland’s best young pipers and drummers aged 10 – 25, and features three ensembles; the Junior Band; the Development Band; and the Senior Band.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Chloe and Angel were selected to feature following submission of 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.

Both girls learned their drumming through EPIC East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy and are now both members of Kilmarnock Pipe Band, based in Netherthird.

Since earning their place in the Development Band they have had monthly rehearsals in Glasgow and have had to learn the repertoire and flourishing on their own between rehearsals.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Delighted with the girls' experience and selection, Karen McCrindle Warren, EPIC Bass Section Instructor said: "There is a great deal of self-responsibility on the girls to turn up to rehearsal well practiced, music and flourishing memorised, and ready to rehearse along with the other band members. 

"It is a huge honour to have been chosen to represent their country, and they certainly represented their country and our town incredibly well.

“They are great ambassadors for EPIC, KPB and East Ayrshire and we are all incredibly proud to have them in our team.

"The future looks very bright for these two amazing young women and we at EPIC and KPB certainly hope they inspire more young people from this area to follow in their footsteps.”