2005: Girls Aloud in Kirkcaldy and scores of youngsters skipped school to see them

Girls Aloud open HMV in Kirkcaldy in 2005

Fifteen years ago this week, pop stars Girls Aloud arrived in Kirkcaldy, prompting scores of youngsters to skip school to see them.

The pop stars were in town to officially open the new HMV store in the Mercat Shopping Centre.

Their arrival drew huge crowds of young fans, with many skipping classes at school to catch a glimpse of their idols.

A crowd estimated at 400 strong packed the shopping centre tp see them.

Girls Aloud open HMV in Kirkcaldy, December 2005 - they were met by over 400 fans including Paige Allan who had overcome meningitis.

They had to queue to get wristbands which allowed them access to the venue and a chance to get an autograph and picture with band members Cheryl Cole – then Tweedy -, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. - who had just hit the big time via ITV talent show, Pop Stars: The Rivals one month earlier.

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HMV brought several other big names to the Lang Toun store, including Paolo Nutini.

The store disappeared from the town’s landscape following the company’s collapse into administration in 2013.

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2005: Girls Aloud in Kirkcaldy and scores of youngsters skipped school to see them

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