THE sun shone and the crowds came out in force last Saturday (June 1) to support the 21st Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships.

On a glorious day, 14 bands battled it out across five grades with some excellent performances from George Watson College, and 2nd Scots Pipes and Drums.

The crowds were also treated to some very skilful Mace handling in the Juvenile and Adult Drum Majors contests.

Allan Johnston, of St Ronan’s Piping Society, the local charity which organises the event in association with The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Lothian and Borders Branch, said: “We were delighted with the day, and it seems that this year is shaping up to be one of our most successful years to date.

“It was great to see so many people smiling and enjoying the music and we were delighted with the numbers of people who turned out to watch our spectacular street parade when the participating band parade along the High Street. This showcases the work of St Ronan’s Piping Society and the support we give to pipes and drums in the local area and our local pipe band hall.”

He added: “Of course, all of this happened because of the support of local businesses, individuals, and our loyal patrons and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to make the day such a resounding success. Work now starts to organise next year’s Championships and our committee are looking forward to another great day, see you all in 2025.”

Results

M&D on the Park – 2 Scots Pipes, Drums & Bugles

Best Band Along the Street – Tweedvale

Juvenile Drum Majors

  • 1st Catherine Spears Burntisland & District
  • 2nd Grace Murdoch Barrhead & District
  • 3rd Logan Clark Burntisland & District

Adult Drum Majors

  • 1st Gibb Fraser Royal Burgh of Annan
  • 2nd Becky Cox Troon Blackrock
  • 3rd Michael Binder Preston Lodge High School
  • 4th Graeme Wyse Burntisland & District

Novice Juvenile Grade

  • 1st George Watsons College
  • 2nd Preston Lodge High School
  • 3rd George Heriots School Junior
  • Best Drum Corps – George Watsons College

Grade 4 March

  • 1st 2 Scots Pipes, Drums & Bugles
  • 2nd Peebles Ex Servicemen’s Pipe Band
  • 3rd Barrhead & District
  • 4th Penicuik & District
  • Best Drum Corps – 2 Scots Pipes, Drums & Bugles

Grade 4 & Novice Juvenile MSR

  • 1st George Watson’s College Novice A
  • 2nd Tweedvale
  • 3rd George Heriot’s School Novice A
  • 4th Stockbridge
  • Best Drum Corps – Tweedvale

Grade 3 & Juvenile

  • 1st George Watson’s Juvenile
  • 2nd Denny & Dunipace Pipe Band Association
  • 3rd EP Dunbar Royal British Legion
  • 4th George Heriot’s School Juvenile
  • Best Drum Corps – George Watson’s College Juvenile

Grade 2

  • 1st George Watson’s College Juvenile
  • 2nd Denny & Dunipace Pipe Band Association
  • 3rd George Hariot’s School Juvenile
  • 4th Stockbridge
  • Best Drum Corps – Denny & Dunipace Pipe Band Association