Dear everyone,

On behalf of everyone, children and adults at Hottsbridge, I write to thank you for visiting Hottsbridge. We have been able to tell others about how great it was to hear the bagpipes and drums played in our school. The children were really pleased to have the opportunity to actually play the drums.

We have looked at The Pipers' Trail website and were thrilled to see our name on the "Places We Have Been" list.

Thanks you all VERY much.

- Mrs L. Young, Head Teacher, Hottsbridge Primary School, Lockerbie.

I really enjoyed when you came to see us all...I now know tow to do drumming and how to hold the drum sticks in my hands....My favourite song was Mummy Daddy and that was very very good. When Drew was drumming it did not look like he was touching the drums because he was so fast doing it. You were brill! You did a very very good performance. I liked it so much and thank you for the goody bags, I liked what you had put in them.

- Janet, P7 Pupil, Hottsbridge Primary School.

My name is Keir and I am learning to play the bagpipes. It was really exciting, I have never heard the bagpipes or them types of drum so close up. One day I am hoping to be in a band....It was a really fun afternoon. Hopefully one day I will be as good as Scott. Once again thank you for coming. Please come again as it was brilliant but could you not get lost this time.

- Keir, Pupil, Hottsbridge Primary School.

Thank you for letting us listen to your excellent drumming, I really enjoyed it. It was really fun. Thank you for the goody bags. How do you play so fast? It is so cool. Can I get drumming lessons off you? And Scott can I get bagpiping lessons off you too? It is so cool. Thank you for giving us drumming lessons. We really enjoyed it.

- Murphy, Pupil, Hottsbridge Primary School.

We want to thank you for the recent workshop from the Pipers' Trail leaders. The experience was inspiring for many and has given some much to think about regarding future options. The whole package was well-led and well-prepared but had also a sparkle of humour that appealed to those attending the workshop. The camaraderie was wonderful, thank you.

- Mrs J H Grimmer, Faculty Head, Portree High School

With regard to our visit from Drum Major Drew Caldwell and Sgt Tom Pride who delivered a workshop to our trainees on drumming, I would like to express how well the session went.

During this workshop our trainees learned the basics, beginning with how to hold the drumsticks properly and following with parriddles, mummys and daddys and the drum roll. The workshop was delivered to our trainees in a fun and informal way which made it more enjoyable for the trainee and engaged them to a degree which may not have been achieved in a more formal atmosphere.

Our trainees come from varied backgrounds, which can often be chaotic, and none had ever played the drums before, so it was very rewarding to see them work together as a group and to interact with one anotther; they encouraged each other, listened well to instructions and participated fully.

- Joanne Scott and Louise McKenzie, Employment Development Advisors, Apex - Glasgow Youth Services