THE 16th annual Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships were attended not only by large crowds but by 25 pipe bands who performed throughout the day.

The opening parade left from the town clock, led by the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band and made its way to the field with chieftain Maurice Corry MSP and BPC chairperson Colina Helen Campbell to start the days events.

The BPC guests of honour were a group from ENABLE, who were driven in the official limousine at the front of the opening parade of pipe bands, highland dancers, VIP's and members of the public.

The highland dancing competitions, held in the Victoria Halls, were as competitive and popular as ever with Helensburgh's Catriona Gammons being the overall winner on the day.

BPC chairperson, Colina Helen Campbell, said: "Huge crowds attended the event in perfect weather and the Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships had a very successful day at their new venue in East King Street Park.

"I would like to thank all those who supported the Championships this year including Argyll & Bute Council, Campbells Air Conditioning, Waitrose, Co-op Funeralcare, Garelochhead Coaches, the RSPBA, the stall holders, competitors, members of the public, the VIPs, the amazing volunteers who helped on the day, the BPC Committee and their families and numerous individuals for their contributions."

The competition results as follows:

Best Local Highland Dancer - Catriona Gammons

Marching and Discipline -

Best Duty Band - Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band

Best Senior Band - Lower Clyde Pipes and Drums

Grade 2

1st - North Lanarkshire Schools Juvenile Pipe Band

2nd - Dumbarton & District Gd 2

3rd - Milngavie Gd 3

4th - College of Piping Gd 3

Grade 3

1st - Milngavie

2nd - Strathendrick

3rd - College of Piping

4th - Williamwood

Juvenile

1st - North Lanarkshire Schools Juvenile

2nd - North Lanarkshire Schools Novice Juvenile

3rd - Dumbarton & District NJ

4th - Tobermory High School NJ

Grade 4

1st - Lower Clyde Pipes & Drums

2nd - Williamwood

3rd - Strathendrick

4th - Dunoon Argyll

Novice Juvenile

1st - Dumbarton & District

2nd - North Lanarkshire Schools

3rd - Queen Victoria School

4th - Tobermory High School

Best overall pipe band - North Lanarkshire Schools Juvenile Pipe Band

Anyone interested in joining the BPC committee, becoming a volunteer or a sponsor is asked to contact Colina Helen Campbell on 07710427535.