Band in contest
Big date for piping
The Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia pipe band will join almost 130 of the world’s best when they head to Paisley for one of the biggest dates in the piping calendar this weekend.
The West Lothian band will compete in the elite Grade 1 contest at the British Pipe Band Championships – the first of the year’s ‘ majors’ – on Saturday (May 19) in the town’s St James Playing Fields.
The free all- day event will see more than 4000 pipers and drummers from the length and breadth of the UK, with international representation from Denmark and Ireland.
The event is in Paisley for the third year in a row – and is confirmed for a further three years, as part of the expanded programme of events planned via the legacy of the town’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.
Free entertainment on offer includes an international food village and bar, funfair, street traders and Highland dancing competition.
Provost Cameron said: “We are delighted to be once again hosting this great event, and welcoming our friends at the RSPBA, and thousands of the world’s best pipers back to Paisley.
“Hosting major events like this helps to build on Paisley’s now-established reputation as a key destination on Scotland’s events map.
“Our historic town centre has many businesses who will be ready to welcome the thousands of visitors to Paisley with open arms and I hope as many of them as possible will take advantage of the free shuttle bus service and enjoy a day or evening out here.”
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the RSPBA, added: “The British Championship is the first of our annual calendar of majors and most of the world’s top bands are going to be there.
“Hopefully next Saturday will see a big crowd come down to enjoy a day of top-class piping.”