Pipe band march their way to glory

A group of young musicians proved their worth at a major competition that saw them take on the world.

Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band were placed second in the Novice B section at the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green at the weekend.

The 30 young people range from Primary 6 to S6 age, and are all now at the top of their game, having been together as a group for just three years.

“We are delighted, given we came tenth last year,” said Pipe Major Keith Bowes, who leads and trains the band.

The top placing comes hard on the heels of Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band beating 15 others to the grade novice juvenile B title at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships three weeks ago.

“I’m very proud of them all and this shows how we have improved,” said Keith.

“And it’s been great to have the support of Renfrewshire Council.

“Pipes and drums are now taught at school.”

The band is made up of pupils from schools right across the council area, and they get together in Johnstone every Tuesday night to practise.

As well as the two recent wins, they also notched up a fifth-place finish at the European Championships in Inverness and third at the British Championships in Paisley earlier this year.

Coming up for Pipe Major Bowes and the band will be appearance at the Rothesay Games and the Cowal Games.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “We are delighted to hear of the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band’s success at the weekend.

“It is a huge achievement for the band to be placed second at the World Championships, following on from their win at the Scottish Championships last month, and we are very proud of all the pupils and their instructors.

“The success of the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band highlights the investment we have made to keep school music tuition free, allowing as many young people as possible to experience the benefits of learning an instrument.”

I’m very proud of them all and this shows how we have improved