NORTH Ayrshire’s very own talented young musicians got a taste of stardom this week when they came face-to-face with their music idol, West Kilbride’s Nicola Benedetti.

The group of young people, all with a passion for music, joined the world renowned violin virtuoso on Monday, March 14 at a special Ayrshire ‘String Day’.

Gathering at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock to celebrate the music of Robert Burns, around 240 young musicians from North, East and South Ayrshire brought along a variety of violins, various violas, several cellos and even a double bass.

North Ayrshire was represented by the North Ayrshire Schools’ Junior Orchestra and Garnock Outreach Orchestra, as well as pupils from Abbey, Annick, Beith, Brisbane, Castlepark, Dalry, Fairlie, Gateside, Glebe, Glencairn, Glengarnock, Kelburn, Lawthorn, Moorpark, St Anthony’s, St Luke’s, St Mary’s, St Palladius, St Peter’s, Stanley, West Kilbride, Whitehirst Park and Woodlands Primaries.

Guest artist Karen Powell led a series of workshops and master classes alongside string teaching staff from schools across Ayrshire.

Pupils learned two new musical arrangements based on Scots Traditional Burns tunes Red Red Rose and Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman, which were commissioned for the workshops by Scottish composer Stephen Adams.

Much to the delight of the talented pupils, Nicola Benedetti made her special appearance during the afternoon rehearsals and young musicians had the unique opportunity to work and play alongside the global star.

Nicola said: “Ayrshire is my home county, where I grew up and where I received my first six years of musical experiences.

“I have so much love for the people and music-making in Ayrshire and am thrilled to have the

opportunity to work with such a large group of students.

“Music helps us communicate with each other and deal with all the invisible elements of life. I am filled with gratitude towards each and every teacher spending their time with the complex and beautiful world of music and passing it onto the next generation.”

The day ended with a short concert to share the day’s activities with parents and families.

North Ayrshire’s Depute Provost Robert Barr said: “Their performance was outstanding. I couldn’t believe that they had only started preparing for the show just a few hours before. They were true professionals and I think the visit from Nicola Benedetti gave them even more inspiration to put on a fantastic show.”