Johnstone Pipe Bands top the world

On a phenomenal day for the Johnstone Pipe Bands on Saturday both bands were crowned World Champions in the respective Grades.

In a season which has seen the bands travel from North Berwick to Belfast to Forres and all points in between this really was a special day in front of 35,000 spectators at Glasgow Green. With 230 bands bringing 8000 Pipers & Drummers from as far afield as Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, England, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark and Zimbabwe, competition was fierce but it was Johnstone who prevailed in both Grade 2 and Grade 4b. The Grade 2 band faced 23 other bands and won a world title for the third year in a row after placing third in the other four Majors this season, their consistency over the season was also rewarded with a runners up spot in the Band Champion of Champions table.

The Grade 4 band were up against 64 other bands and capped off only their second year competing by following up their wins in the Scottish & European Championships by winning their first World Championship title. In taking three of the five Majors this season the Grade 4 band were also crowned Champion of Champions in both the band and drumming categories. The bands now look forward to finishing the season with trips to Rothesay and Cowal Games over the next two Saturdays.

Grade 2 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jr commented, “I am hugely proud of the achievements of both bands at the Worlds, the amount of work and effort that was out in by each band member was fantastic. I’d like to thank the band members, family and friends and everyone connected to the band for their support and commitment. For Renfrewshire to be able to boast two World Champion Pipe Bands in the same year is an incredible achievement and I think we will all enjoy the upcoming Rothesay and Cowal Games”

Grade 4 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Sr commented, “It really was an incredible day with both bands coming up trumps when it really mattered. The hard work put in by the band members over the winter months and in the earlier competitions this season has stood them in good stead and they should all be proud of themselves. Half of this band are still at school with one of them only starting High School this week, to think that they are finishing the season with Scottish, European, World and Champion of Champion titles in an adult grade is just amazing.”

Johnstone Pipe Band are currently on the lookout for sponsorship to help enable them expand and progress the band and their educational activities, for further information please contact the band on 07751 500520. Details on the band’s learner setup can also be found by calling the same number.