Pupils at an Aberdeen school are tuning up to take part in the world’s largest schools piping and drumming competition.
Young musicians from the city’s Robert Gordon’s College will travel to Edinburgh to take part in the third annual Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships (SSPBC).
Almost 30 schools from across the country have already registered for the competition, taking place on Sunday, March 8, at Broughton High School and neighbouring Fettes College.
Organisers are keen to encourage even more schools – or community pipe bands working with schools – to enter before the January 26 deadline.
Jason Sumner, 43, piping instructor at Robert Gordon’s College, said: “Preparation is well under way for the championships in March and we are greatly looking forward to our first time at the event.
“The pipe band at Robert Gordon’s College has seen significant growth this year where we now have around 35 pupils learning various instruments and performing at both school and public events.
“The pupils benefit greatly from taking what they learn beyond the classroom and this is a fantastic event in our school calendar this year.”
Fifth year pupil Simon Craik said: “We are looking forward to our first time at the event where we can not only showcase our skills but learn with our peers from throughout Scotland.”
This year’s competition will include a freestyle category which encourages pipers and drummers to perform modern songs alongside classmates playing different instruments.
This category will be judged by three experts of the piping and drumming world including Pipe Major of Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band, Robert Mathieson, Gary West, presenter of Pipeline on BBC Radio Scotland and Craig Munro from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers band.
David Johnston, SSPBC Committee Chairman, said: “The talent displayed by those who have entered the competition in the past has been absolutely outstanding and I’m delighted to see the prospect of more new young musicians taking part this year.”
For more details or to register for the competition visit www.scottishschoolspipebandchampionships.com.