A teenage piper is back in Moray after a month of playing a leading role in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Molly Sinclair performed in front of audiences of more than 8000 people who came along each night to witness the world-famous show, which takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
The 15-year-old shared the role of Ri Teachd along with two other girls on a rotational basis
Directly reflecting its Gaelic meaning of “future”, the part is traditionally performed by a young piper, symbolising the importance of preserving the Tattoo’s legacy.
Amongst other things, it meant Molly had to play the iconic tune ‘Scotland the Brave’ solo.
It also required her to perform a short but important piece of dialogue with the narrator, before marching off with the massed pipes and drums.
Molly said: “It was definitely nerve-wracking at first, but you quickly start to enjoy it.
“I learned so much. In fact, the whole experience was amazing – performing in front of so many people, staying in Edinburgh, meeting new people. It was great.”
Molly, who also plays the cello to a high standard, is a member of the Elgin & District Pipe Band.
In addition she’s also a pupil at Gordonstoun, having gained a music scholarship.
She was chosen along with the other two pipers for the Tattoo following auditions.
Next, there then followed a fortnight of deeply intensive rehearsals before the tattoo began at the start of August.
Family members took it in turns to stay in Edinburgh with her.
That included her mum and dad, Tracy and Alan, plus her grandad, Gordon Duncan, a former Gordon Highlander and a good piper himself.
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