Pipe band contest is drum-thing special

Some of the top pipe bands in Scotland took to the street of Paisley town centre on Saturday for the fifth annual instalment of the Paisley Pipe Band Competition.

Not even the rain could drown out the sound or spirit of the pipe and drums, or the hundreds who lined the streets to take in the contest.

Paisley Pipe Band competition 2014

The route saw bands march down the High Street to the main arena in County Square, for judging by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Glasgow and West of Scotland branch.

The Renfrewshire Council-organised event saw pipers travel from as afield as Northumberland, Milngavie and Dunoon, to compete alongside local bands from Johnstone and Kilbarchan.

The chieftain of the event was Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, who said: “On behalf of all involved, I would like to say a massive thank-you to everybody who came along.

“Whether there to take part or just to watch and support the pipers, people didn’t let the rain stop them enjoying the occasion.

“By their nature, days like today are at the mercy of the weather – but we were pleased with the size of the crowd under the circumstances.

Pipeband 10

“Events like this are a big part of what the council is trying to do in terms of using heritage and culture to drive tourism and regeneration in Paisley and Renfrewshire.

“It’s been a busy period for events in Renfrewshire – we had an absolutely sensational day during the week when the Queen’s Baton Relay passed through, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to see it, and the whole day was a joy to be a part of.

“And we only have a few days to wait until our next town centre event with StreetVelodrome – the world’s only pop-up track cycle race event – taking place in County Square on Saturday.”

For more information on local events, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X