40th Anniversary of Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra

That this House congratulates the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra on the 40th anniversary of its founding, on 23rd October 1982, by Wallace & Lex Galbraith with the aim of developing the musical skills and a love of traditional Scottish Fiddle Music among young musicians in the South West of Scotland; notes that the orchestra has grown since those early beginnings to over 75 current members, including violinists, cellists, bass players, guitarists and percussionists, ranging from 10 to 19 years old; further notes that over 1,000 young musicians have played in the orchestra over the last 40 years, not just in Ayrshire but throughout Scotland and beyond, with regular overseas tours including Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China and, most recently, Japan as well as several performances by senior members in the House of Commons; and recognises the contribution of the musical directors Wallace Galbraith MBE, Alistair McCulloch and David Moore, who have led the orchestra over the last four decades, as well as all the parents and volunteers who have contributed to its ongoing success.