Renfrewshire Council

The band, made up of young people from schools across Renfrewshire, took home first place after competing in a tough category against 29 bands from around the globe.

The band's Pipe Major, Keith Bowes Jnr said the band were well prepared for the competition.

"I'm delighted our young people pulled off the performance we'd been hoping and practising for. They delivered it with the highest levels of style and precision and I am over the moon that the title has come to Renfrewshire for the first time."

Molly Moulson, S5 pupil at Johnstone High School, said: "This has been a life changing moment for the band - we have worked so hard for this. We may come from different schools but we are one big team with a great mentor in our Pipe Major. Bring on next year!"

The hard work doesn't stop here however, and the band are now preparing to compete at the Cowal Games in Dunoon this weekend and are looking forward to performing as part of the Royal National Mòd when it comes to Paisley in October.

Provost Cameron said: "To become World Champion is an incredible achievement and I know how hard our young people have been working this season. I hope you all had a great weekend competing and celebrating - you deserve it. Congratulations to everyone involved. I can't wait to see what's in store for the band next."

Also competing at the World Championships was the Renfrewshire Highlife Highland Pipe Band - a collaboration of Renfrewshire Schools' developing pipers and drummers from Highlife Highland. Although having only performed together three times, the group placed 10th in the Novice B grade.

Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band have seen their progress this season documented by a team from Sky Arts which will air later this year.

Published 23 August 2023