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Kintyre Schools Novice Pipe Band played at the start of the 10k and half marathon race on Sunday. To buy: c22mok01 |
THE Kintyre Schools Pipe Bands, supported by their sponsors R. Leishman & Son, enjoyed mixed fortunes at the annual Scottish Pipe Band Championships held at Levengrove, Dumbarton last Saturday May 24.
In Juvenile Grade, the Kintyre band, playing March Strathspey & Reel, put in a solid performance but were only placed fourth, losing their Scottish Championship title to George Watson’s College from Edinburgh.
Newly promoted Inveraray & District Pipe Band did really well to be placed second behind Watsons in their first Championship outing at this grade.
In Novice Grade the Kintyre Schools Band, unfortunately, did not make it through the heats. This was the first occasion in 10 Championship starts over the last three years that Kintyre Schools Novice Band has not qualified for the final at a Major contest.
‘It’s a bit disappointing’ said Pipe Major Ian McKerral, ‘but you can’t win them all and with so many other good bands out there now, it’s got much tougher. Our bands did not play at all badly today, but it wasn’t quite enough to impress the judges who have the task of differentiating between bands of similar standards. We remain committed, enthusiastic and determined to do better at the next Major in Lisburn at the end of July.’
Following contests over the last three consecutive weekends, the Kintyre Bands will now enjoy a break from the competition arena and will eagerly await the European Championships in Northern Ireland on July 26.
In the meantime the bands will be out and about in Campbeltown over the coming weeks.
The massed Kintyre Bands will appear in Main Street at 7.00pm on Saturday June 7 to entertain the public.
The Juvenile Band will then be appearing as guests at the Tartan Army Sevens Ceilidh in the Victoria Hall the following Saturday June 14.
