From February 4th - 10th I had the great pleasure to visit our most engaged piper`s in Vardø, Kirkenes and Murmansk. Let me put one thing clear. You are all working very hard and it was very stimulating to meet with students, teachers and coordinators in all three areas of the high north. For those of us living in the south, it is always very interesting to visit the high north of our countries, and the young ones in Vardø, Kirkenes and Murmansk are working very hard to prepare for the expo in Sweden in May. As it stands now, it seems that as many as up to 30 students will take part in the expo from northern Norway and Russia. We welcome you and look forward to seeing all your projects presented at the Ulricehamn expo.

All the best to all of you, and thank you again for your wonderful preparations for my visit to your project areas.

Bjørn R. Opjordsmoen Senior adviser/PIPE