Royal guest at fiddle concert

PRINCESS Anne spent Saturday evening in Dumfries attending a concert of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra (SFO) at the Easterbrook Hall. As patron of the orchestra, the Princess Royal attended the concert accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence. She was greeted on arrival by Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries Dr Fiona Armstrong, alongside a Police Scotland youth volunteer Faith Reilly and army cadet Mackenzie Marshall. Before taking her seat, Her Royal Highness paused for a moment to visit a tree planted by her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during a 2010 visit to the town alongside Prince Philip. Once inside the venue the Princess met members of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, as well as members of Dumfries Pipe Band. Speaking after the event, Dr Fiona Armstrong, Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Dumfries. Her support for Scotland is unstinting. The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and the Dumfries Pipe Band delivered a wonderful evening of music, one that showcased the strength of our traditional arts and the commitment of musicians who give so much to our cultural life. The occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.” The concert itself was a vibrant celebration of traditional Scottish music, with with organisers later sharing their appreciation for the evening and confirming plans to return next year. A spokesperson for the SFO said: “Dumfries, you were amazing! “Thank you for a wonderful evening at Easterbrook Hall and what a privilege to perform for our patron, HRH The Princess Royal, what a night! “We’ll be back next year, get the date in your diary now 24.4.27. See you then!”