MEMBERS of Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band returned from the trip of a lifetime last week.

They jetted off to Ajman, near Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates for what was a "tremendous opportunity".

They embarked on the all expenses paid visit between Saturday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 14.

Nine pipers, supported by three drummers from Jedburgh, were guests of the Ajman police as they celebrated their golden jubilee.

The main event the band played at was the excellence day presentation ceremony, where the guest of honour was ruler of Ajman – His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami.

They were challenged with learning to play the UAE national anthem in time for his arrival, but managed to pull it off with just one week to practice.

Gordon Fisher, pipe sergeant and acting pipe major for the visit, said: "This truly was a tremendous opportunity for the band and was one which we embarked upon with great enthusiasm.

"It was a privilege to represent Scotland and the local area by sharing our culture and traditions and promoting piping in the Emirates.

"We all had a fantastic time and will long remember the generosity of our hosts."

Alloa Bowmar received the opportunity after the UAE embassy in London contacted the University of Stirling, which it has educational links with, looking for a band.

The Clacks outfit managed to pull together only three weeks before they were due to travel.

While overseas, the band also played on the streets of Ajman and at the launch of Travel Safety Week.

Its efforts were greatly appreciated and members were presented with certificates and trophies to mark their involvement in the success of the event.

Gordon said the Ajman police were marvellous hosts and they showed the visiting musicians around the local area, took them into Dubai several times – including for a private cruise around Palm Island and dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Marina – to thank them.