Over 30 children from the Upper Deeside Primary Schools enjoyed the first Community Music and Dance Day, held in Ballater Primary School on Saturday 5th June.

Organised by Fèisean a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh, the event offered a variety of sessions in step dance, tin whislte, percussion, song, drama and art all led by experienced music tutors, some of them professional musicians.

Fèisean a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh Development Officer, Caroline Sterritt, said "Through Fèis Spè, we have been offering similar events in Badenoch and Strathspey for many years. Thanks to Cairngorms Leader and the Cairngorms National Park Authority as major funders, we are able to widen these opportunities to many more communities.We are delighted with the repsonse to the day - everyone had a great time and is asking for more!"

As well as the younger participants, the members of the Cairngorms Cèilidh Trail band held a rehearsal day and provided the music for a fitting end to the day, piping the crowd to the Victoria Hall for Community Cèilidh with parents and friends.

Funding has been secured to run another Music and Dance day in September - further details will be available shortly.