Founder and Artistic Director of The Cumnock Tryst, Sir James MacMillan was recently presented with an Early Day Motion from the town's MP.

We reported last week how MP for Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock Allan Dorans tabled a motion at the House of Commons to congratulate organisers of the town's popular music event.

Recognising the work of Sir James, as well as the Tryst's management team, its board and volunteers, the presentation follows the Musical Celebration of the Coalfields event at this year’s festival, which involved 10 local groups writing and performing their own work with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra after a series of workshops. 

The presentation took place in the freshly renovated Dean Castle Quad, where rehearsals are taking place for 'Sonic Creations at Dean Castle' - an event produced in collaboration between The Cumnock Tryst and East Ayrshire Leisure.

Cumnock Chronicle: Allan Dorans MP and Sir James MacMillan.Allan Dorans MP and Sir James MacMillan. (Image: Stuart Armitt)

Several schools will be performing at the event, alongside leading percussionists Colin Currie and Iain Sandilands and the unveiling of three sonic sculptures by Maidens blacksmith Tony Morrell.

Allan Dorans MP said: “I was delighted to table an Early Day Motion at the Westminster Parliament recently highlighting and congratulating the Cumnock Tryst, volunteers and the local communities' involvement in producing an outstanding long weekend of musical entertainment, celebrating and inspired by their environment, coal mining heritage, people and local community.

"It was a truly magnificent event and achievement led by Sir James MacMillan CBE.

“The Early Day Motion was printed and circulated to all 650 Members of Parliament and is entered in the official record of proceedings and archives of the House of Commons.”

Sir James MacMillan added: “I’m very proud to have the work of our team and many hard-working volunteers at The Cumnock Tryst recognised officially in Parliament with Allan Dorans’ Early Day Motion.

"The work we do in and with the Ayrshire community is incredibly important to us, and to receive this motion following the success of the Musical Celebration of the Coalfields with all the community groups at this year’s festival is especially gratifying.”