Prince Charles gave piping a go for the first time since he was a schoolboy as he joined a group of children learning the bagpipes.

Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, played the chanter during a "come and try" workshop organised by the National Piping Centre while he visited the Dumfries House Estate in Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

Joining a lesson with pupils from Gargieston primary school in Kilmarnock, Charles said he tried to learn the bagpipes when he was at school but found it hard.

READ MORE: Scotland's leading talent school and Dumfries House announce new arts education partnership

"I tried to learn when I was at Gordonstoun but I gave up rather stupidly," he said. "It's quite difficult to learn."

The piping was part of a day of music at Dumfries House as a partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) was announced.

The Herald:

Charles helped save Dumfries House, its land and contents from being broken up by leading a consortium of charities and heritage bodies which bought the house and estate in 2007.

The Duke, who has been patron of the RCS since 2002, launched the collaboration which aims to provide young people with arts education, performance and employment opportunities.

He said: "When I acquired Dumfries House it was my sincere hope that not only would we restore the magnificent house and its unique contents for future generations to enjoy, it would also act as a catalyst to regenerate this part of Scotland and provide education, skills and training for local people.

READ MORE: Scotland's leading talent school and Dumfries House announce new arts education partnership

"I now have pleasure in seeing another of my patronages, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, join in partnership to create an artistic hub for the young people of Ayrshire.

"The arts are integral to the education of young people, they broaden our horizons and our humanity and allow people to transcend their boundaries.

"I am delighted to see two historic establishments join in a new partnership which will inspire and enable the young performing artists of Ayrshire to reach their full potential."

The Herald:

RCS principal Professor Jeffrey Sharkey said: "I am delighted and honoured that HRH The Duke of Rothesay and Dumfries House are partnering with RCS in this ground-breaking collaboration.

READ MORE: Scotland's leading talent school and Dumfries House announce new arts education partnership

"The arts can make such a difference to so many children's lives and can have such a positive impact on young people when growing up. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the arts and I can think of no finer establishments to enable this to happen than Dumfries House and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland."