PEOPLE in Stirling are being asked to share their family connections to World War One as part of a national project commemorating the centenary of the conflict.

Critically-acclaimed multimedia production Far, Far From Ypres, featuring a cast of 26 Scots folk scene favourites including Barbara Dickson, uses the songs of the trenches to tell the story of the Scottish war effort.

It is touring 10 venues in Scotland to mark 100 years since the end of World War One, with a performance at The Albert Halls in Stirling on Sunday, October 14.

At each performance, the show and theatre programme incorporates stories from the local area, with producers currently appealing for stories from Stirling and surrounding areas.

Whether it was a great uncle who wrote letters home from the trenches, or a great granny who helped with the war effort on the home front, descendants are asked to share the stories of their forebears for potential inclusion.

Part of the broader programme of activity to commemorate Scotland’s Armistice centenary, the Far, Far From Ypres tour is being delivered by WW100 Scotland in partnership with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.

The show was devised, written and produced by Ian McCalman of folk group The McCalmans to highlight the unique insight the songs offer into the life of a soldier.

It shares the hope, suffering, endurance and fear associated with the war through the eyes of fictional, prototypical soldier, Jimmy MacDonald.

Like many young men, Jimmy is full of enthusiasm and joins up right away, however, when he is sent to the Flanders trenches he begins to experience the true horrors of war.

Ian said: “During the war, soldiers sang together to bond and alleviate fear, sharing songs from contemporary music halls as well as creating their own.

"However, looking back on the music of the war today, we can see how attitudes towards the conflict changed over its course.

"From the early, jingoistic songs that promoted recruitment and betrayed an innocence about the reality of war, through to the resignation, black humour and resentment present in the later songs, the progression reflects the bitterness which grew among troops as they became disenchanted.

“The songs provide powerful context to key events in an era very different from our own, and with Far, Far From Ypres, we have harnessed their power and accessibility to bring the story of the war to our audience in an engaging, multimedia production that educates and lingers.

"The entire cast is excited and honoured to be bringing the show to communities across the country as part of the WW100 Scotland commemorative programme, and we look forward to sharing the story of Jimmy McDonald - representing so many young soldiers of the war - with thousands.”

Stories (200 words max) should be emailed to ScottishCommemorationsPanel@gov.scot by September 30.

Admission for the Stirling performance of Far, Far From Ypres costs £15 (£10 concession).

For more information and to book visit the website here or call 01786 473544.