Inveraray and District Pipe Band from Scotland are the World Pipe Band Champions for 2019. They fought off stiff competition from last year’s champions Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band who finished second and St Laurence O’ Toole Pipe Band who were third.

It is Inveraray and District Pipe Band’s second win in three years. 195 Pipe Bands brought around 8000 pipers and drummers to Glasgow Green to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships. Over 30,000 people attended the event over 2 days.

The nations represented included New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Eire, USA, Belgium, England, Spain, Malaysia, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The first ever World Pipe Band Championships were held at Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 1947. The event was first held in Glasgow in 1948 and has been staged in the city continuously since 1986.

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is the event all the bands work towards and they have once again excelled. The competition continues to drive the highest standards and everyone who came to watch and listen has enjoyed some brilliant performances. Thanks to the bands, the spectators and to everyone who came.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is the pinnacle of the piping calendar, welcoming the world’s best pipers and drummers to Glasgow to battle it out to be crowned champions of this spectacular event. Well done to all the bands who took part in this year’s competition and congratulations to Inveraray and District Pipe Band on being crowned the 2019 World Band Champions.

“Part of a portfolio of events and festivals that play a key role in our visitor economy, EventScotland is delighted to have continued its support of the Worlds in 2019. Together with the Highland Games, Highland Dancing and Scottish food and drink, it is a perfect showcase of our country’s heritage and culture.”

The World Pipe Band Championships are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.