Scottish Pipe Band Crowned World Champions for First Time Since 2005
A pipe band from Scotland has been named world champions for the first time in a decade.
Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia were named the World Pipe Band Champions for 2015 at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow today.
They are the first World Champions from Scotland since 2005.
A total of 230 Pipe Bands brought around 8,000 pipers and drummers to Glasgow Green to compete at the event today and yesterday, while around 40,000 people attended the event over two days.
Sixteen nations were represented at the event, known as The Worlds, including bands from Austria and Malaysia for the first time.
Bands from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, England, Oman, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scotland also took part.
Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "It is always hard to imagine just how much better the bands and the event can get but this year's World Pipe Band Championships have been outstanding.
"Everyone who joined us at Glasgow Green has enjoyed performances from some of the most talented pipers and drummers in the world. The Worlds will be back in Glasgow in August 2016 and we are already looking forward to welcoming bands from all over the world back to compete.''
The St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, from the Republic of Ireland finished second while Inverary and District Pipe Band were third The Worlds also hosted Highland Dancing competitions, a Highland Games, a children's area, food village and traders.
Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council said: "The World Pipe Band Championships have become firmly established in Glasgow's Cultural events calendar and this year has shown once again the incredible talent of the musicians taking part.
"We look forward to hosting these world championships each year and to showing everyone who comes to Glasgow to take part or attend why the city has such a well-deserved global reputation for hosting events.''
The World Pipe Band Championships are delivered on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and Glasgow City Council by Glasgow Life and are supported by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland, a team in VisitScotland's Events Directorate.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland said: "The 2015 World Pipe Band Championships have been a massive success for the city of Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, providing many inspiring performances from some of the world's most talented musicians.
"This event is an important showcase of Scottish culture and heritage and we look forward to welcoming spectators and performers from all over the world back to Glasgow in 2016.''