The two Johnstone Pipe Bands travelled to Dumbarton at the weekend for the Scottish Championships.  On a highly successful day for the bands, the Grade 4 Band won their competition with the Grade 2 band placing third, this was a second major competition win for the 4s this season and one that was well deserved after two fine performances in the qualifying and the final.  The Grade 2 band placed third for the fourth time in four majors with the Police Service of Northern Ireland continuing their 100% record in the Grade 2 majors this season.  With the World Championships, on the 13th August, being the only major competition left this year. the Grade 2 band sit second in their Champion of Champions league table with the Grade 4’s proudly topping theirs.

Grade 4 Band celebrating after being crowned Scottish Champions Pictures  taken by John Shaw
Grade 4 Band celebrating after being crowned Scottish Champions
Pictures taken by John Shaw

Grade 2 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jr commented, “I was delighted with both bands performances at the Scottish Championships. With practices and competitions now coming thick and fast, everything is now geared towards the World Pipe Band championships at Glasgow Green on 13th of this month. Preparations have been going well, so fingers crossed that both bands put in good accounts of themselves.”

Shows Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jr picking up the Grade 2 third place trophy.
Shows Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jr picking up the Grade 2 third place trophy.

Grade 4 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Sr commented, “We were all thrilled with the performance and delighted to see results coming good at the right time, we are now in first position in the champions of champions league table for our grade and looking forward to Saturday’s competition in North Berwick, and the following week, the Worlds, in Glasgow.”

Erica Gill (12) picking up the Grade 4b Championship Shield
Erica Gill (12) picking up the Grade 4b Championship Shield

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.