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West Lothian Schools Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in their grade
West Lothian Schools Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in their grade
The talented band members picked up the top trophy in the Novice A section for the first time, after being runners-up for the last four years.
West Lothian Schools Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in their grade at the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow last weekend.
(Image: WSH])
West Lothian Schools Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in their grade at the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow last weekend.
The talented band members picked up the top trophy in the Novice A section for the first time, after being runners-up for the last four years.
It rounds off a fantastic year for the band, who also retained their Scottish Champions trophy in the Novice A category in Dumbarton last month.
The band were formed in 2007, and have previously won a number of trophies in the last 18 years, including UK and European Championships.
West Lothian Schools Pipe Band's pipe major Graham Drummond said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be named as World Pipe Band Champions in the Novice A grade this year.
'The band have been working so hard to take the top prize after coming so close for the previous four years. They deserve this title for all the effort they have put in and we are pleased to bring the trophy back to West Lothian for the first time.'
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Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire added: 'Many congratulations to all the amazing Westies on becoming the Novice A World Champions for 2025.
'The young people involved put in a huge amount of work to get to this stage, so it's a reward for all the tough nights of practice and rehearsal.
'Thanks also go to their superb tutors and supportive families, who have helped the young people to achieve this fantastic result.'
The 'Worlds' – the premier contest in the global piping competitive calendar – brings together the best pipers and drummers on the planet to compete in the ultimate 'battle of the bands'.
The event is delivered by culture and sport charity Glasgow Life on behalf of The Royal Pipe Band Association with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland's Events Directorate.
This year's spectacular showcase of skills and talent saw 15 countries represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations including Australia, Oman to Zimbabwe.
Scotland entered the biggest national contingent – 122 bands. Northern Ireland had the second largest, with 25 bands, and next was the USA with 14 bands.
'The Worlds' attracts thousands of spectators to Glasgow every summer and attendance at this year's exciting two-day contest was over 35,000.
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Audiences all over the world were also able to view highlights from the championships on both days via live streaming.
This year the major event included a dedicated youth competition. More than 1,500 under 18s competed in this new feature of 'the Worlds' which celebrated and recognised young talent in piping and drumming, and showcased the incredible talent and skills of the next generation.
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'We are grateful to all of the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us for our 2025 championships.
'This year's 'Worlds' proved to be a fiercely-fought contest and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions Inveraray & District Pipe Band deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running.
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'Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent.'
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