THE ROUSING spectacle of 3000 pipes and drums provided a dramatic finale to the British Pipe Band Championships staged in Pitlochry on Saturday.

The Highland Perthshire holiday town enjoyed its busiest day of the year with over 15,000 spectators joining competitors for the event at the recreation ground.

Blessed by fine weather, the months of planning went like clockwork according to organisers.

A total of 126 bands took part, including bands from Holland, Switzerland, Australia and Canada alongside more familiar names such as Pitlochry’s Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.

“This is possibly the best venue we have had for many a year,” said Ian Embleton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

“The weather has been good—a mixture of sun and cloud—and the whole of Pitlochry has been jumping. It has been a perfect day.”

Mr Embleton paid tribute to Perth and Kinross Council and the Pitlochry major events group for their help in putting on the event.

“We could not have asked for more.

“We are indebted to the volunteers who have got involved in everything from car parking to catering,” he said.

The competitors arrived in over 100 buses and special arrangements had been made to ensure the influx of traffic did not bring the narrow streets to a standstill.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney had the honour of being chieftain for the event. He and his wife Elizabeth watched many of the competitions and at the end of the day Mr Swinney took the salute at a march-past by the bands that took part.

“This has been a truly memorable day for me and I feel greatly privileged to have been invited to act as chieftain of the event,” he said.

“I congratulate the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association on staging such an excellent event and the Pitlochry major events group, led by Peter Stevenson and Sandy Wilson, for having the energy and foresight to bring it to Pitlochry.

“The standard of competition has been excellent and I pay tribute to every piper, drummer and drum major who has made the event such a success.”