TRADITIONAL Scottish pipers and dancers from across the country descended upon Helensburgh at the weekend for the 14th annual Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships and Highland Dancing competition.

The June 21 event helped draw a crowd of thousands to the Burgh as it coincided with the Helensburgh Summer Festival and the official opening of CHORD, which took place in Colquhoun Square on Saturday.

Despite rain showers, spectators gathered at Victoria Halls from 10am for the Highland dancing competitions.

Chieftain Dougie Philand, depute Provost of Argyll and Bute Council, led the opening parade at noon – along with BPC chairwoman Colina Helen Campbell and the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band – and the band competitions began in Hermitage Park at 12.30pm.

The event is one of the most popular in the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) calendar and this years’ championships included a performance from Inveraray and District Grade 1 Pipe Band.

Colina Helen Campbell, BPC chairwoman, told the Advertiser the championships were ‘a great success’.

She said: “Both the spectacular opening and closing parades enjoyed dry weather as did the march past of all pipe bands and trophy presentation by Dougie Philand, depute Provost of Argyll and Bute, who was an excellent chieftain this year.

“The highlight of the afternoon, the demonstration by Inveraray and District Grade 1 Pipe Band, took place in brilliant sunshine and attracted a huge crowd.

“Inveraray are current European Champions and World MSR champions.

“They competed at the Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships for several years when in Juvenile and Grade Two and we would like to thank Pipe Major Stuart Liddell and the band for returning to give such a fantastic performance at Hermitage Park this year.

“Argyll and Bute pipe bands won the majority of trophies – with Kintyre Schools Juvenile Pipe Band the overall winners, gaining the top trophies in both Juvenile and Grade Two – a fantastic achievement for such a young band and a tribute to their teachers.

“A total of eight trophies went to the two Kintyre Schools Pipe Bands.

At the highland dancing competitions in Victoria Halls, Catriona Gammon was the overall winner and led the closing parade along with the chieftain and chairperson carrying her winners trophy, another excellent achievement.” Other attractions at the event included Shetland pony rides, a shooting gallery, children’s rides, as well as book, craft, and food stalls.

Ms Campbell added: “The BPC committee wish to thank all competitors, their families and friends, the hard working volunteers, staff at Victoria Halls and SOS Hermitage Park, Rosneath Highland Games Committee, Argyll and Bute Council, the RSPBA, all those who supported the BPC programme and raffle, and members of the public for their support – it is very much appreciated.” Pipe Band results: Marching and Discipline Best Band on Parade - Cowal Pipe Band Best Duty Band - Kintyre Schools Juvenile Pipe Band GRADE Novice Juvenile Best NJ Drum Corps - North Lanarkshire Schools 1st - North Lanarkshire Schools 2nd - Dunoon Grammar School 3rd - Kintyre Schools 4th - Dumbarton and District GRADE 4: Best Drum Corps - Kilbarchan 1st - Williamwood 2nd - Kilbarchan 3rd - Camelon and District JUVENILE Best Drum Corps - Kintyre Schools 1st - Kintyre Schools 2nd - Dumbarton and District 3rd - N Lanarkshire Schools 4th - Milngavie Best local juvenile band - Kintyre Schools GRADE 3 Best Drum Corps - Kilbarchan 1st - Cowal Pipe Band 2nd - Williamwood 3rd - Camelon & District 4th - Kilbarchan GRADE 2 Best Drum Corps - Kintyre Schools Juvenile Pipe Band 1st - Kintyre Schools Juveniles 2nd - Cowal Pipe Band