A weekend of champions
Mid Argyll salutes pipe band British success and football league winners
NOT FOR a decade, since the days of Inveraray’s young pipe band powering up the rankings, has Mid Argyll seen such kilted success.
But matching the achievement of new British champions Mid Argyll Pipe Band on Saturday May 19 was Lochgilphead Red Star football club, which earlier in the day clinched the league title - for the first time in 30 years.
Mid Argyll’s weekend of winners started with Red Star beating Busby AFC to be crowned SAFL Premier 2 champions.
Red Star won their only previous title SAFL Fourth Division - in 1988 under manager Hughie Lindsay.
There have been promotions, relegations and plenty of drama in between, but nev- er a league crown. Red Star manager Dougie Moore said: ‘This is a major achievement for the club and for a small town like Lochgilphead.
‘We only have a small squad, but with some excellent players, many of whom have been involved with the Soccer Centre, which deserves great credit.
‘Seeing them play football with a smile and allowing them to express themselves on the pitch has been extremely pleasing and a personal highlight.’
Led by Pipe Major Craig Lang and lead drummer Graeme MacMillan, Mid Argyll Pipe Band won the British Pipe Band Championship at Grade 4B.
Craig, now in his sixth season leading the band, was ‘absolutely delighted’ to clinch first place among 21 competing bands.
He added: ‘The band had an average age of 18 on Saturday at Paisley with four players in their first competition, one still in primary school.
‘It has taken years of hard work and a lot of that can be credited to Rod Buchanan for chanter lessons and Donald MacLachlan, our drum tutor.
‘It is also a great result for Graeme MacMillan, who returned after a five-year absence from the pipe band circuit to win a major.’
The band celebrated in style on their return from Paisley with an impromptu performance in Lochgilphead town centre to the delight of band parents and supporters.
Before heading to Tarbert on Sunday May 27 to play at the Scottish Series sailing event, Mid Argyll Pipe Band will be at the Ropework in Lochgilphead on Saturday May 26 to help Red Star celebrate.
Star will receive the Premier 2 trophy at 3.45pm on Saturday and it is an occasion not to be missed.