TALENTED bagpipers have descended on Helensburgh’s Victoria Halls for a busy day of competing.

The event, on July 17, saw 51 entries across three categories: march, strathspey and reel, and piobaireachd, each of which featured 17 entrants.

Competitors came from around the world to take part including the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia as well as some of the leading professional pipers in Scotland.

When all was said and done, there were victories for Gordon McCready (adult piobaireachd); Brian Lamond (march); Gordon McCready (strathspey and reel).

Reflecting on the day, Colina Helen Campbell, piping convenor, said: “The event was deemed a huge success by all who attended. Judges, spectators and competitors, and representatives from the Competing Pipers Association and the Piobaireachd Society have asked for it to become an annual event.

“Victoria Halls proved an excellent venue with the perfect layout and acoustics for a piping competition.”

Colina continued: “The competition was held in place of both the Rosneath Games solo piping and the Bicententary Pipe Band Championships' pipe band contest, which were cancelled again this year.

“I would also like to thank the sponsors, the Piobaireachd Society, James Auld Funeral Directors  Helensburgh and Skyemore RVS Ltd. I’d also like to thank the stewards and Victoria Halls staff for their support and assistance.”

Results as follows.

Adult Piobaireachd: 1 Gordon McCready, Renfrew; 2 Dr. Peter McCalister, Dunblane; 3 Anna Smart, Fife and New Zealand; 4 Andrew Donlan , USA.

March: 1 Brian Lamond; 2 Gordon McCready; 3 Calum Wynd, Dunblane; 4 Bobby Allen, Dunoon.

Strathspey and reel: 1 Gordon McCready; 2 Brian Lamond; 3 Calum Wynd; 4 Bobby Allen.