In ITS proud 32-year history the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra has introduced traditional Scottish music to audiences all over the world.

They have played in North America and Canada, visited China and Australia and toured extensively in Europe, including trips to Russia and Scandinavia.

But one of AFO’s newest recruits faces quite a journey just to make it to rehearsals.

Meet 15-year-old Bethany Walsh who travels by bus, ferry and car twice a month from her home in Whiting Bay, Arran, to orchestra practice in Prestwick.

Bethany, who began playing violin at the age of seven, is the first ever AFO member from “across the water”.

She moved to Arran from Salisbury with her mum and dad, Juliette and Andrew, and younger sister Lucy, 12, in 2006.

Now in fourth year at Arran High School, she joined AFO last year after studying Scots fiddle music with Lynsey Tait.

Bethany said: “I really enjoy being part of the AFO family, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

“We play lots of different styles of music, which is both challenging and enjoyable.

“And I am really excited about next year when I will join my first international tour with AFO, to South Africa.” To get to the regular rehearsals in Prestwick, Bethany takes a bus from Whiting Bay to Brodick where she boards the ferry for Ardrossan.

Then she gets a lift to Prestwick from Amanda Gracie, whose son Alex also plays in AFO.

The journey takes almost two hours and the same to get home but Bethany reckons it’s worth it as she gets so much enjoyment from playing with the orchestra.

AFO founder and director Wallace Galbraith is delighted that the orchestra at last has a member from the island.

He said: “AFO’s connection with Scotland’s Holiday Isle began in 1985 when we began our annual visit to Arran during the May Holiday weekend to give a concert in Whiting Bay Hall.   “This wonderful association has continued for almost 30 years collaborating with the Arran Singers and Arran Fiddle Club.

“Now Bethany, one of the fiddle club members, is a fully-fledged player with AFO and will join us next year on our concert tour of South Africa.

“We would be delighted to welcome many more Arran fiddlers to our ranks.” To find out more about the orchestra, or if you would like to join, see http://www.fiddleorchestra.com.