The North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band have been crowned world champions after winning the Novice A title at the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green. The band finished first out of 11 competitors in the closely-contested competition.
Strong Showing for Novice B Band
The Novice B band also delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth out of 12 bands in its category.
Ross Cowan, pipe major, said: “We would like to thank our primary and secondary schools across the region for their continued support of our instrumental music pupils, and the council for providing these opportunities which allow our young people to achieve such incredible performances.”
Council Praise for the Band
Councillor Michael McBride, convener of education, added: “Our schools pipe band reflects the very best of North Lanarkshire and I would like to congratulate everyone involved on their latest outstanding success.”
The band has represented North Lanarkshire at community events including Lanimer Day in Lanark, Strathaven Gala Day and St Andrew’s Hospice’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
A Season of Consistent Success
The result is the latest success in a season which has seen the band perform consistently well at competitions across Scotland. The band finished runner-up at the George Watson’s Invitational Pipe Band Competition in Edinburgh in March, before taking second place at the Scottish Schools Championship a week later.
The Novice A band went on to win at Gourock Highland Games in May and at Dollar Academy later that month. At the British Pipe Band Championship at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, the Novice A band finished fourth out of 12, while the Novice B band came sixth from a field of 18 school bands.
The World Championship result is the culmination of regular rehearsals and preparation by the young pipers and drummers, supported by instructors Ross Cowan, Darren, Steven and the wider staff team.
