Pipers of all ages from across the Highlands will descend on Fort William this Saturday (18 January 2003) for Lochaber Piping Society's third workshop and recital performance.

Following a short break over the festive season, this week's workshop at the Alexandra Hotel will give pipers and drummers a chance to hone their skills, and will be led by tutor Margaret MacMaster.  This will be followed by a recital, which will include an opening performance from Lochaber Schools' Pipe Band as well as several soloists.

Lochaber Piping Society was formed in 1999 to promote and encourage the study, practice and knowledge of traditional bagpipe music among young people in the Highland region. Secretary Morag Melville said the workshops and performances are a good way for youngsters in particular to learn new skills:

"A lot of young pipers come to these events and it's a great chance for them to perform in public," said Morag.  "They also learn new skills and get to polish their performances with help from the professional pipers, which will hopefully inspire them to continue practising and help to build their confidence levels."

"I am really pleased with the success of the workshops so far.  A lack of funds stopped us from holding them last year but we now have funding for six workshops and recitals.  As a result, we have managed to attract some well-known professional pipers such as Angus McColl and Christopher Armstrong from the Glasgow Piping Centre and Duncan Nicolson from Strathclyde Police.

"The Lochaber Schools' Pipe Band is performing this week and they are a very talented group of youngsters so it should be an excellent event."

Lochaber Enterprise and the Community Economic Development partnership have funded 50 per cent of the cost of the series of six workshops.  Alison Boyle, community economic development officer with Lochaber Enterprise said the support was part of their commitment to the community:

"We are pleased to offer our assistance to this project.  The workshops provide a good opportunity for pipers to improve their skills, and the recitals have become a popular community event, as well as enhancing and developing the cultural traditions of the area."

* Pipers interested in attending the workshops should phone Morag Melville on 01397 703862.  The public recital is from 7.30pm to 10.30pm in the Alexandra Hotel.