Northern Ireland pips the pipers

Pipers from round the world set the tone

Northern Ireland has come out on top at a record breaking World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band beat more than 230 bands on a sunny Glasgow Green in front of the event's biggest ever crowd of 45,000 people.

Saturday's contest saw pipers come from as far afield as Europe, America, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

It is estimated that the championships create an economic boost for Glasgow of about £1m.

They have been held in the city since 1986 and attract more than 8,000 musicians.

International showcase

Glasgow Lord Provost Liz Cameron, chieftain of the competition, said: "Over 40,000 people, of all ages and from across the globe, enjoyed the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums on Glasgow Green.

"It was truly a fantastic day and Glasgow should be proud as hosts of this world event."

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada scooped second place, while last year's winners, Scottish band House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead, came in third.

They beat off competition from a host of home-grown talent, including the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

The contest is organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and Glasgow City Council.

Other attractions included the European Highland Games heavy events championships, highland dancing, and the drum major competition.