Army pipes up for Fringe debut

YOU know the Fringe is continuing to evolve when even the British Army want to be a part of it.

This week, for the first time in its history, the Army in Scotland are putting on a free play reflecting the Army's core values of courage, discipline and respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment.

Entitled The Pipers' Trail, it charts the story of Jamie, a young man in search of success in life. He aspires to be like his grandad, who took part in the Great War and became one of the first world piping champions.

Travelling from his home in Coming from the Shetlands, Jamie falls in step with a talented, edgy young woman, Morag, and an older man, Robert, an ex-soldier and pipe major, who becomes their friend and mentor.

As they journey across Scotland, Jamie and Morag face a number of personal challenges. At each test the travellers are found wanting but gain a little from every experience, gradually growing in confidence and control. Catch it at the George Square Theatre, until August 17.

Playing to same beat as Collins
DRUMMER Mathew Priest, who is co-presenting the show 2 Drummers Drumming at the Bongo Club, thought he was victim of a wind-up recently. "I got a phone call and this guy said, 'Hello, Mathew, this is Phil'." It was Phil Collins, who said that if he weren't so busy he'd love to make a guest appearance on the show. Today's special guest is Edinburgh's Ken Andrew, drummer with Middle Of The Road whose hit Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep is one of the biggest selling UK singles ever.

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