Soldiers get musical for hurt heroes

SOLDIERS are swapping their guns for musical instruments to help raise money for wounded colleagues.

Around 35 Edinburgh-based servicemen and women are to perform a charity gig in aid of Help For Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The Royal Regiment of Scotland's Capital Big Band will perform big band, swing, Scottish and chart music at The Jam House in Edinburgh on 21 January.

The venue's deputy manager, Heather Plowman, said: "My brother David came back from Afghanistan just a few days before Christmas after a six-month tour, so I am honoured to be able to help with this event, as I know what it's like to have family out there."

The event is the brainchild of Major Dougie Cochran, of the Army's headquarters 2nd division in Edinburgh.

He said: "Having just come back from Afghanistan, I felt that it was important to support local soldiers who had been injured on operations, or who needed the help of the military community."

Tickets cost 10 and all money raised will go to the charities.