Global groups join Pipe Band Championships in Scotland
West Dunbartonshire's Provost, Karen Murray Conaghan, was the chieftain of this year's event.
She said: "It was a magnificent day at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships.
"I am delighted that this event, hosted in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, has been another outstanding success.
"As well as intense competition, there was rich tradition, fun, excitement, and camaraderie among the bands and the spectators.
"I know I had a thoroughly enjoyable time, and I am sure the thousands who attended will also have had a great day."
After a day of "intense competition", the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland was crowned the Grade 1 Champions.
The band was presented the winner's trophy before they led the field to finish off the event.
(Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council)
Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "This was another excellent year for the Scottish Championships with high standards across the board.
"It is no wonder that bands come here from across the globe and challenge themselves against the best bands across the United Kingdom.
"It always makes for a joyous day.
"Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part for making this event such a success."
Conaghan added: "The championships are an integral part of the events calendar here in West Dunbartonshire and are a wonderful family day out.
"It always shows Levengrove Park in excellent light, showcasing what West Dunbartonshire has to offer.
"I'd like to thank all of the bands, and a special mention to those who travelled far, for putting on such a spectacular show."
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The Herald Scotland
18 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
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The global pinnacle of the piping competitive circuit, the championships bring together the world's finest pipers and drummers to compete for glory in the ultimate, fiercely-fought 'battle of the bands'. Last year's 'World's' saw more than 7,000 competitors demonstrating their dedication, passion, skills and talent. The event attracted over 35,000 attendees and was also watched by huge virtual audiences worldwide. The two-day contest culminated in Scotland's Inveraray & District Pipe Band taking the title of 2024 World Champions. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland were runners-up and Simon Fraser University of Canada took third place. READ MORE: Pipe bands linked to better exam results for pupils Glasgow tunes up for Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes Bagpipe sales 'in the doldrums' after decline warning This year, with even more bands taking part – a total of 207, representing 15 countries from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, Oman and Zimbabwe – the competition promises to be intense and exciting. Organisers The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is introducing a new format for the 2025 'Worlds'. On the first day, following the initial performances by Grade 1 bands, the focus will be on young talent. The Juvenile, and Novice Juvenile A and B bands will compete in a dedicated youth competition, giving more than 1,540 under 18s an unprecedented opportunity to shine on 'the Worlds' stage. Friday's finale will be a massed performance by all the young bands followed by their prize-giving celebration, ensuring a memorable, inspiring experience for competitors and spectators alike. 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Inveraray & District Pipe Band won the World Pipe Band Championships in 2024 (Image: Alan Harvey - SNS Group) 'We hope as many people as possible will come to support these brilliant young performers as they take their well-earned place at the heart of the world's premier pipe band event. 'As ever, tickets are in great demand for the event, so anyone who doesn't want to miss out on the experience should book now for Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August.' The championships take place during the world's biggest week of piping, alongside Glasgow International Piping Festival Piping Live! which this year celebrates its 22nd edition, with events taking place from Monday 11 August to Sunday 17 August. 'The Worlds' are staged on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture and active living events and experiences to support mental, physical and economic wellbeing in Glasgow. 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Further details of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships, and tickets for the event, are available at
The National
28-07-2025
- The National
Global groups join Pipe Band Championships in Scotland
Taking place in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, on Saturday, July 26, the event saw 127 pipe bands from across the world come together to compete. West Dunbartonshire's Provost, Karen Murray Conaghan, was the chieftain of this year's event. She said: "It was a magnificent day at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships. "I am delighted that this event, hosted in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, has been another outstanding success. "As well as intense competition, there was rich tradition, fun, excitement, and camaraderie among the bands and the spectators. "I know I had a thoroughly enjoyable time, and I am sure the thousands who attended will also have had a great day." After a day of "intense competition", the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland was crowned the Grade 1 Champions. The band was presented the winner's trophy before they led the field to finish off the event. (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "This was another excellent year for the Scottish Championships with high standards across the board. "It is no wonder that bands come here from across the globe and challenge themselves against the best bands across the United Kingdom. "It always makes for a joyous day. "Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part for making this event such a success." Conaghan added: "The championships are an integral part of the events calendar here in West Dunbartonshire and are a wonderful family day out. "It always shows Levengrove Park in excellent light, showcasing what West Dunbartonshire has to offer. "I'd like to thank all of the bands, and a special mention to those who travelled far, for putting on such a spectacular show."
The Herald Scotland
28-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Mouat: We're missing Olympic gold and we're desperate to put it right
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