A north-east pipe band has been named as one of the best in Britain.
Turriff and District Pipe Band secured its first-ever title at the British Pipe Band Championships in Paisley on Saturday.
Its members were among more than 4,000 musicians who braved the Renfrewshire rain at the weekend and it all proved worth it as they took home the Grade 3B championship.
St Lawrence O’ Toole from the Republic of Ireland took home the Grade One title – the day’s biggest prize.
Though it has been in existence for nearly 100 years, it is the first time the Turriff and District band has secured a win at a major competition and pipe major Andrew Gray said it was an “amazing” feat.
He said the victory had made all the long hours of practice – and the early start from Turriff on the day – worthwhile.
Mr Gray said: “It is amazing to have won a championship for the first time in our 96-year history.
“It is an amazing feeling when all of your hard work pays off.
“We’ve placed at championships in the past, but this is pretty special. We didn’t quite expect it.
“We left Turriff at 5am on Saturday and got back up the road at 1am on Sunday, so it was a busy day.
“The event in Paisley in the one of the most popular outside of the world championships.”
Turriff and district pipe band was formed in 1923 with the majority of its early members soldiers who had survived the First World War.
These days, the group features musicians from the ages of 12 right up to 72 and they practice twice a week.
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “The British Championships are the first of our five major championships taking place throughout the summer.
“We saw a top-class display of piping and drumming from the world’s best and once again, the people of Renfrewshire came out in numbers to support the event.
“Paisley is a great location and host venue and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the town over the next two years.”
