Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire, pipe bands crowned champions at RSPBA British Championships

The independent school's Juvenile and Novice Juvenile A bands are banging their drums after both won their respective categories at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association's British Championships in Paisley on Saturday.

Both young bands faced fierce competition at St James Playing Fields, where thousands of spectators watched almost 4000 pipers, drummers, drum majors and 147 compete.

Pipe major Matt Wilson, of the Juvenile Band, said: “It was a fantastic day out for both Dollar bands. We are extremely proud of what our pupils have achieved today.”

The championship titles should boost the two bands in the upcoming season. Despite a long day on Saturday, the bands were on again on Sunday, when they performed at the rehearsals for the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh this week.

Pipe major Callum Beaumont added: “It was very rewarding to see the youngsters take a significant step forward in both their approach and playing and responding well to the significant pressures of a major championship.”