Royal date for top pipers
Johnstone Pipe Band has been invited to perform on the main stage at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall later this month.
The band will perform on Saturday, January 20 as party of the 2018 Celtic Connections festival.
The musicians are preparing for the 75th anniversary of the band, which was founded by former provost of Johnstone Burgh, James McKay, in 1943, and has been going strong ever since, wearing the McKay Blue tartan in recognition of its founder.
The senior band won the World Pipe Band Championships in grade 3A in 2014, and, in their very first season in grade two, won the World Pipe Band Championships in 2015, followed by a consecutive win in 2016 which saw their promotion to the top flight of grade one.
In 2016, there was also a double celebration as the then grade 4B ‘ junior’ Johnstone Band also won its World Championship.
Pipe Major Keith J Bowes said: “We are really excited that the opportunity has come our way to showcase the band on the platform of the Royal Concert Hall.
“It is an occasion for us to celebrate as 2018 is the 75th anniversary of Johnstone Pipe Band.
“We will be joined on stage by our newly-promoted grade 3B band and also our Renfrewshire Schools pipe band, as well as backing musicians and dancers.
“We are also delighted to have secured John Mackay, from STV, as our compere.”
The first half of the concert will feature pipers Finlay MacDonald with Ross Martin, father and son Angus MacColl senior and junior, and Jarlath Henderson.
Ti c k e t s can be bought online at www. celticconnections. com, by visiting www. glasgowconcerthalls. com or by phoning the Royal Concert Hall box office on 0141 353 8000.