The pupils of an Argyll and Bute primary school are gearing up to play their own unique brand of music – by royal appointment.

Luing Primary’s ukulele orchestra has been invited to play for HRH The Princess Royal when she visits Oban on July 12 as part of the Oban 200 celebrations.

Every child at the school learns to play the ukulele from P1. The school’s ukulele orchestra, ‘Ukulele-Luing’, has already performed at a variety of concerts and charity events but never in front of a royal audience.

However, one of HRH The Princess Royal’s favourite bands is known to be the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and Ukulele-Luing has now been invited to play during her visit.

Luing head teacher Stephen Glen-Lee said: “The children have prepared a few numbers to entertain the crowds and Princess Anne as they pass through Oban.

“They are keeping their set list close to their chest, but are expecting the royal entourage to find it impossible not to join in.

“Our little band has had a fantastic reception wherever it has played, and the children are really looking forward to showing off their talents and at the same time entertaining such a high-profile audience.”

St James’ Palace has provided instructions for the children on how to address the Princess in case there is an opportunity for the children to give a quick tutorial.

Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, said: “Ukulele-Luing has proved to be an outstanding success, and I am sure The Princess Royal will be amazed by the talent and ability of these pupils.

“The children are fantastic ambassadors not just for their island, but for the whole of Argyll and Bute. I congratulate them on their achievements so far, and look forward to hearing all about their royal performance.”

Ukulele-Luing has become something of a crowd-puller since it first played in a concert at the Corran Halls in Oban in 2009.

Following this performance, the children were invited to play to a capacity audience in Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth Arts Festival, at a gig with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

The children have since played at numerous charity events, most recently at a fundraiser for the Japan Earthquake relief.  They were also invited to play for the Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell.

The pupils recently returned from a two day visit to the Isle of Colonsay, where they performed as part of the Colonsay Spring Festival.

They will also be performing in the Oban Bicentenary Concert in the Corran Halls on Friday July 15.