Scottish Pipe Band Championships 2023
Thousands of spectators flocked to Levengrove Park to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Scottish Pipe Band Championships this weekend.
More than 100 bands from all over Scotland and the UK gathered to compete, joined by bands who had travelled even further afield including from Sydney, Australia.
There were celebrations on the day for Field Marshal Montgomery, from Northern Ireland, who took the Grade 1 winners’ title on Saturday.
The band was presented with their award by Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, who was acting Chieftain of the event, before they led all the bands in parade.
A full list of winners from the event is available here: https://rspba.org/results/bands/contests/2023-scottish-championships-dumbarton/
Councillor O’Neill said: “A wonderful day was had by all at Levengrove Park. Yet again, crowds turned out to enjoy the spectacular show of traditional Scottish culture performed by world class musicians. Over the years, the Scottish Pipe Band Championships has become one of the highlights of our events calendar because it combines competition, colour, culture and history with great fun for competitors, their families and all visitors and officials.
“We’re always proud to show off our beautiful Levengrove Park too. Sitting in the shadow of Dumbarton Rock and Castle, it’s such a special setting for this event.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, added: “We are immensely proud of the show all the bands have put on today, and their hard work and dedication to compete in this important tradition is evident.
“I want to congratulate each and every band on their performance and thank all of our visitors and guests for turning out to celebrate Scottish culture at its finest.”
Competitors and spectators came from far and wide to enjoy the world class music.
They included members of the Scots School Albury Pipe Band from New South Wales, Australia, who competed in the Grade 4B final, performing songs including The Barren Rocks of Aden.
The event was the first stop on a five week Scottish tour for the 27-strong band and was a successful start after coming first in their grade for their efforts.
Scott Nicolson, the band's coordinator said: "We love Scotland, and this is our first time back at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships since 2017.
"It's a great experience to be among so many different bands. Being part of the Pipe Band is really popular among our students, we even have little ones aged five being taught the pipes, so it’s an important part of our school life.”