The dark and stormy night of Tam o’ Shanter’s frantic escape from the witches has been recreated by Moray school pupils in an opera.
Students in Keith were given expert vocal coaching to stage a colourful adaptation of Robert Burns’ timeless tale.
Primary school pupils performed songs based on the Scots poem, which had been especially written for youngsters in P5 to P7 by Scottish Opera.
Children in tartan bunnets and sashes swung tankards in the air while singing a jovial bar ditty about working all day as part of Tam’s drinking crew in the pub.
When the rogue left to go home, other youngsters, dressed in flowing blue gowns, were ready to depict his battle against the rain on his trusty steed, Meg.
But ghouls and witches, cloaked in white, swarmed all around Tam while his horse bolted to get home.
Singers from Scottish Opera took on the roles of Tam and his long-suffering wife while the cast of 90 students supported them with boisterous performances of song and dance.
Pupils from Botriphnie, Crossroads, Keith, Newmill, Rothiemay and St Thomas primary schools choreographed stage moves before putting on a production for proud parents.
Music teacher, Joyce Dawson, said: “This is one of the best projects we get into the schools.
“We’re not expecting them all to become opera singers all of a sudden, but it introduces them to the style and gives them a chance to listen to it.
“I always talk about different styles in the classes, but giving them the opportunity to experience it is so much more beneficial.”
Alan McKenzie, singer and drama worker at Scottish Opera, added: “Basically, we’ve worked with them to put on an opera in a day. We’ve taught them a few songs to go around our own performance.
“It teaches them about working in a team, builds their confidence and introduces them to a fine work, Tam o’ Shanter, as well as opera.”