Police pipe band top of its class

The band secretary said the event was the highlight of the competitive year

Pipers and drummers from the Central Scotland Police band have been named as top of their class at this year's World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

The event saw the band pitched against 25 other groups from across the UK, Canada, France and the USA.

The Central Scotland Police pipers and drummers, who compete at Grade 3B, also came first for the drum corps.

More than 40,000 spectators filled Glasgow Green at the weekend to attend this year's event.

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Vancouver were named overall best band.

'Great springboard'

Central Scotland Police band secretary, Pc Dorian Gray said: "This is the highlight of the year in terms of competitions and to have come first ahead of such a strong field represents a great success.

"The band played really well and is a great springboard for even more great performances in the future.

"We are still a relatively young band and we have come a long way in terms of our performances."

In total, more than 8,000 pipers and drummers representing 206 pipe bands from 16 countries competed in this year's event.

Chief Constable Andrew Cameron, the honorary president of the pipes and drums of Central Scotland Police, said he was thrilled by the band's success.

He added: "I have taken a keen interest in the formation and development of the band and have seen them play at a variety of events and functions.

"Their playing never fails to impress and this victory in the World Pipe Band Championships is worthy recognition of their efforts."