THE first British Pipe Band Championships in almost three years have been hailed a huge success after the event was held in Inverclyde.
The showpiece –- the first major of the season –- took place at Battery Park, Greenock on Saturday with thousands in attendance.
More than 105 bands entered, including groups from America, Canada, Ireland, England and across Scotland.
Despite rain early in the day, visitors enjoyed top class performances, Highland dancing, a variety of stalls and food.
The free event was organised by Inverclyde Council in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).
Chieftain of the games and former Inverclyde provost, Ciano Rebecchi, said: “Forget the weather, everything was great and went very well. The bands, Highland dancers –- everything was great.
“The competitors enjoyed it and the rest of the people there enjoyed it too. We had bands from America, Ireland, England and Scotland and that speaks for itself.
“Battery Park was superb, the grass was great and the views are tremendous. We couldn’t have asked for more and hopefully it brings more people into the area.”
The championships were part of Inverclyde Council’s Meliora Festival of events throughout May and June.
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “It was a very good day and all went well.
“The bands had a fantastic time at what was the first major championships they have had for nearly three years. They loved every minute of it.
“The whole event ran like clockwork. Yes the weather wasn’t the best –- we live in Scotland after all -– but the bands weren’t bothered and we had a dry afternoon.
“We had 105 bands entered. The turnout far exceeded our expectations. It was an outstanding success.”
First place in each of the pipe band contests were as follows:
Grade 1 – Inveraray and District
Grade 2 – Buchan Peterson
Grade 3A – Vale of Atholl
Grade 3B – Major Sinclair Memorial
Grade Juvenile – Dollar Academy
Grade 4A – Lower Clyde Pipes and Drums
Grade 4B – Kilbarchan Pipe Band
Grade Novice Juvenile A – Dollar Academy
Grade Novice Juvenile B – High School of Dundee
Adult Drum Major heats – Kara Gilmour, Police Scotland and Federation
Adult Drum Major final – James Kennedy – Closkelt
Juvenile Drum Major – Louis Anderson, New Ross and District, Eire
Junior Drum Major – Carys Graham, The Glasgow Skye Association
