Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Champion of champions
Accolade for musicians despite missing out on world title
Monklands musicians were among the North Lanarkshire players who earned a series of impressive accolades in their pipe band’s “best ever” season.
The area’s novice juvenile B schools’ pipe band were runnersup in their 19-strong category at the recent world championship held at Glasgow Green, finishing second only to St John’s College from Zimbabwe.
It concluded a season in which they won the Scottish, British and European titles – meaning they earned the “champion of champions” title for the best performances across the five maj o r p i p i n g championships.
Pipe major Ross Cowan said: “We’ve had a terrific year, winning three championships and only narrowly missing a fourth at the worlds.
“It’s been the most successful season ever for the band and winning the champion of champions title for the first time is very special for us.
“We were also delighted with our juvenile band’s fifth place in their category. North Lanarkshire schools’ novice juvenile B pipe band secured second place in their category
“It’s the highest- ever finish in that grade and the highest by any state school pipe band in Scotland.”
North Lanarkshire education convener Councillor Frank McNally congratulated the band on their “outstanding success” and said: “Their achievements reflect the great work being carried out by music instructors in our schools, the commitment and dedication of our pupils, and the support and encouragement of their parents.”