100 PIPING HOT BANDS POUR INTO PAISLEY
Even the sun turns out
21.05.2018 Glorious sunshine greeted more than 100 of the world’s best pipe bands as they gathered in Paisley at the weekend.
The Bri t i s h P i p e Band Championships saw more than 4,000 pipers and drummers compete at the town’s St James’ Playing Fields.
They had come from all over the UK and Ireland, and as far afield as Denmark.
The event – organised by Renfrewshire Council and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association – was in Paisley for the third year in a row and attracted a huge crowd of spectators.
Provost Lorraine Cameron, Chieften for the day, presented the prizes.
She said: “Once again, the British Pipe Band Championships was a wonderful family day out and it was a pleasure to be part of it.
“It brings with it a massive audience from the length and breadth of Scotland and internationally, and that influx of visitors is worth a sixfigure amount for the local economy.
“Today was also a chance for those visitors to explore Paisley and all it has to offer. Hosting events like this is helping to establish us as a key destination within Scotland.
“It was also great to see our own school pupils get the experience of competing as part of a major championships, showcasing the musical talent we have here in Renfrewshire.”
Families from all over Scotland enjoyed entertainment that included a funfair, a Highland dancing competition, plus activities from Renfrewshire Leisure, Paisley Rugby Club and Renfrewshire’s Street Stuff team.
In the piping arena, there were local competitors Johnstone Pipe Band, the Kilbarchan Pipe Band and the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band who were making their major championships debut.
The championships will return to Paisley for another three years from 2019 to 2021 as part of the expanded programme of events planned via the legacy of the town’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, added: “Today kicked off our annual calendar of majors and the standard of piping was top class – as you would expect from a field containing most of the world’s top bands.
“Once again, Paisley and Renfrewshire made a great host and we look forward to bringing the event back here over the next three years.” Enjoying the company after the competition is over