Dumbarton Gears Up For Scottish Pipe Band Championships

Dumbarton is preparing to welcome more than 20,000 people to the 2015 Scottish Pipe Band Championships.

The national Championship is the biggest free pipe band competition in the world with thousands of people descending on Levengrove Park every year to see some of the best pipe bands in the world.

It will feature over 120 pipe bands from around the UK , with locals Dumbarton and District Pipe Band looking to make their mark.

Ross Ponsonby, Pipe Major of the Band’s Novice/Juvenile section, can’t wait for the event and is hoping that the hours of practice will pay off for the band.

The 21-year-old, from Hardgate in Clydebank, said: “We have been practicing hard and are really looking forward to the event. It really is a home crowd, so with loads of friends and family there to cheer us on hopefully we can do ourselves proud. It’s always a bit nerve-racking before you start, but once you get into it and the crowds are cheering it is such an amazing feeling – I’m looking forward to it.”

The event will also include the annual Highland Dance competition, including local dancers from Sandra Lees School of Dancing.

Kids will have plenty to keep them occupied with WD Leisure ‘Sports Zone’ offering a range of free activities and games for all age groups. There will also be a fun fair in the park along with food and drink areas selling a variety of foods and refreshments.

West Dunbartonshire Provost and Chieftain, Douglas McAllister, said: “This is a fantastic event for West Dunbartonshire which has grown in popularity and stature each year. We are now in our 16th year of hosting the event and it never fails to amaze me the talent which is on show. Not only are some of the best bands from across Scotland competing, but there are also bands from all over the UK, which makes it a great day to be a part of. Let’s hope that the sun shines and we can all enjoy the skirl of the pipes in the shadow of Dumbarton Castle.”

Steeped in Scottish tradition and historically influenced internationally by military bands, the Pipe Band Championships is also a platform for developing and emerging new talent.

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said “The Scottish Pipe Band Championships is a highly regarded event, with bands travelling from all over the UK as they aim to be crowned champion. Every year we have been treated with an exceptionally well-run event in Dumbarton and I’m sure this time round it will be no different. All the competitions are going to be exceptionally hard-fought and it will come down to small margins when it comes to handing out the prizes.”