Gourock dancer travels to Saudi Arabia for Burns Day events

Vikki Warnock, 28, travelled to Jeddah with top bagpipe band The Red Hot Chilli Pipers to perform as part of the British Consulate’s Burns’ Day celebrations.

The group took part in four performances during the trip, all of which featured their signature blend of traditional Scottish music and pop and rock anthems – as well as an impressive display of Highland dancing.

Vikki has taken to stages across the world with the band over the years, but the Saudi Arabia trip was a first for her and fellow dancer Charlotte McFie.

She told the Tele: “The trip was scheduled for October last year but was put off, so it was then rescheduled for January to tie in with the Scottish celebrations.

“The performances were great fun. Some of the young girls were amazed at females being a part of a performance our size.

“It was great to share our culture and celebrations with the British and Arabian people in Jeddah.

“We had the opportunity to go out there and experience their culture first-hand as well, which is something I never saw myself doing.”

The trip followed a busy festive period for Vikki, who joined the Chilli Pipers on the road for their winter tour of Scotland.

She performed for sell-out crowds at venues such as Ayr Town Hall, Dumfries’ Easterbrook Hall and the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline over Christmas and New Year.

Vikki, who runs Stage Door Studios in Inverclyde, hopes her success can help inspire her own tiny dancers to reach their potential in the performing arts.

She added: “I got great support from my pupils and parents at Stage Door Studios wishing me the best of luck on my travels and performances.

“It’s great to have them witness the places that hard work and determination can get you.

“I would love nothing more than to one day have some of the kids performing on some of the platforms I have been lucky enough to dance on.”