THE Caledonian Piping Club has seen a huge decline in pipe bands; membership of same and solo pipers, within North Ayrshire generally, but more specifically, the Three Towns Area.

The group are one of the very few, who are proactive in the continuing teaching of people - young and old - of the Great Highland Bagpipe. Renowned – all over the world.

As they looked to increase their membership once more, and encourage the future generations of pipers, they began to visit primary five and six classes across local schools to give them a taste for the music.

After some struggles through the pandemic, they now continue to go in and offer classes at some Three Towns schools - all free of charge.

A group spokesperson said: “We get a buzz from seeing the faces and enthusiasm of the children with us, when they actually make some kind of achievement.

“We hope that when they have finished their Primary schooling - they will come along and join us at our group.”

The club practice in St Matthew’s Academy on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and although all members pay towards the hire of the hall - all instruments, (owned by the group), uniforms and maintenance, are paid for by the group.

However, many of the primary school pupils who began learning through school visits are now looking to purchase their own pipes.

Despite the club being fortunate enough to benefit from funding which lowers the cost of purchasing bagpipes, those wishing to buy their own still need to raise £6,000 in total.

That’s why pipers from the club are on a year-long fund-raising “binge”, to try and raise the money required - so they are asking the public to keep an eye out for their efforts and donate if they can.