?Ten out of Ten? was the verdict of these members of the Palestine Youth Orchestra on their recent visit to Largs.

They were spending a week in Glasgow at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland preparing for their ?rst UK Tour. The orchestra is made up of young people aged 13 to 25 and is never able to rehearse or play together at home in Israel / Palestine because of restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people.

A local group drawn from Fairlie and Largs churches had the privilege of meeting and entertaining them on the Sunday evening before their ?rst concerts in Perth and Glasgow.

Largs Churches Holiday Club turned out in force to help give the Orchestra a warm welcome and it was four members of the Millport Pipe Band who got the top marks.

Arriving in torrential rain meant it looked very unlikely that the group would get their eagerly anticipated walk along the Prom but even the weather joined in the spirit of the welcome and a short spell of sunshine arrived just as they ?nished their meal.

Returning to the hall they sampled Nardini?s ice cream and the young folk then proceeded to entertain each other with their traditional dancing and music-making.

A display of Palestinian fair trade foods caused great interest as some of the young musicians recognised products from their areas.

'Auld Lang Syne' closed the proceedings on a memorable evening for all.