Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Reel piping sensation
Connor wins top prizes
A talented Coatbridge teenager has piped his way to the top in his first year of competing at adult level.
In just 12 months 18- year- old Connor Jardine has won the Duncan Johnstone and Inveraray and Captain John McLellan memorial competitions as a solo performer – and now looks forward to next month’s challenge of competing in the prestigious Scottish Piping Society of London contest.
Cairnhill lad Connor, a former Hamilton College pupil, is in his first year of studying electronic and software engineering at the University of Glasgow.
And he credits his grandfather, Bill Jardine, for being his inspiration to take up the pipes.
Connor explained: “He played the bagpipes and had a set of practice pipes at home and that’s where my love of the instrument began.
“My mum is from Glenboig and there’s a big pipe band fraternity there too.
“I’ve been playing for almost 10 years now and practice every day.”
Connor joined grade one outfit, the Inveraray and District pipe band last year – and along with his bandmates scooped the Scottish and British grade one championships. They narrowly missed out on top spot at the world championships in August, finishing in second place, but were recognised as Champion of Champions for 2016.
The teen is also a member of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and is a former member of the North Lanarkshire Schools’ pipe band.
And he is now gearing up for London next month.
He added: “That’s is a big one. I’m currently in C grade and my next goal is to reach B grade.”
Connor’s dad, Graham, is one of his biggest fans and said: “My wife, Maureen, myself and his older brother, Graham are so proud of his achievements so far and love going along to watch him play.”