Ayrshire hosts record-breaking Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A record-breaking number of young musicians from across Scotland visited Ayrshire and took to the stage at this year’s Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.Held at Kilmarnock’s William McIlvanney Campus, the Championships saw a record 94 bands from 144 schools compete across eight categories, showcasing both traditional and contemporary performances.Among the standout moments of the day was the victory of Sgoil Bhàgh a’Chaisteil in the highly competitive Freestyle category, winning £2500.Organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), the Championships continue to highlight how piping and drumming are becoming more accessible in Scottish schools.Thanks to the Trust’s efforts, more young people — regardless of gender, background or financial circumstances — are now learning these traditional instruments as part of their education.Lindsay MacKenzie, CEO of SSPDT, said: “This year’s Championships have been a landmark event.

Not only did we see a record number of bands, but we also witnessed an incredible sense of community among the young musicians.“The camaraderie, teamwork and shared passion for piping and drumming were truly inspiring.

Schools across Scotland are embracing piping and drumming as an inclusive and accessible way to bring young people together, fostering teamwork, confidence and a sense of belonging through music.”The Championships featured a range of categories, designed to provide both a high-level competitive platform and an encouraging environment for school bands with minimal or no competition experience.The winners in each category were:Freestyle - 1st Sgoil Bhàgh a’Chaisteil; 2nd Gordonstoun School; 3rd Renfrewshire Schools ‘A’; 4th Tynecastle Youth & Community Pipe Band; 5th