IT is now or never for the West Fife Schools Pipe Band in their desperate search for a new leader.

The band could be silenced by the end of the year if they can't get a a team of tutors to come forward.

Founded in 1994, they are open to all pupils from the age of eight to 18 and regularly turn out for competitions, galas and charity events.

They don't want the music to stop and secretary Alister Rae said: "The committee of the West Fife Schools Pipe Band is pleading to the entire piping community for help as the band is struggling to find experienced pipe tutors.

"The band was set up in 1994 with the specific objective of providing school-aged children with the chance to learn to play pipes and/or drums at an affordable cost. We have eight intermediate pipers, three chanter learners and five drummers, all of whom attend schools in the West Fife area and they range from 10-14 years-old.

"The band has produced a strong performance in competitions and local galas over the 2017 season, however our senior piping tutor has retired, leaving the band without a leader.

"Without an experienced piping tutor in place, there is no likelihood of competing next year and the band is at risk of folding altogether."

Mr Rae continued: "We need a team of tutors to work together to teach the kids and to take the band forward, so if there are any experienced pipers who can commit to joining us, we would like to hear from them urgently.

"We have a great bunch of kids in the band and a supportive committee, we simply need more hands on deck for the band to survive. Unfortunately, if we cannot secure tutors we may have to close the doors on this great little band which has been performing in Fife for 23 years and has produced world class pipers and drummers, many of whom went all the way to Grade 1 bands.

"If there are any experienced pipers that can commit to a couple of hours per week, we would like to hear from them.

"We will be happy to pay a fee for an experienced piper to take the reins. We competed at Novice Juvenile Grade this year at all the major competitions by teaming up with another band.

"Our ultimate goal would be to do the same again next year under our own steam. The guys are very enthusiastic and always keen to do their best.

The band practice on a Tuesday evening at the Ex-Servicemens' Club in Rosyth and at Queen Anne High School on a Thursday evening.

Both sessions run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

If you're interested in the role, you can email the band at: WSFPB@GMX.com.