Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums band crowned champion of champions
The Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums band have been crowned champion of champions.
They secured the accolade after finishing fourth overall in the World Championships in Glasgow last Saturday.
The champion of champions title is based on consistently good showings at events throughout the season.
Chairman and drummer John Weatherston said: “I am very proud of what the band has achieved this year and to see it progress over the years.
“The first major competition was in Aberdeen, that was the European Championships where we managed to get first place, then we came second in the Scottish Championships, and then on Saturday at the World Championships we managed to get fourth place overall.
“We managed to accrue enough points over the season to be called champion of champions. Which means we have upgraded from 3B up to 3A.”
He recalled continued growth in the band's success by moving up two grades since he joined the novice-level band.
“I joined the band in 2017," John said. "At the time it was a novice juvenile band and I was asked to come in and help with the drumming. The band did very well in 2017 and the following year they were upgraded to grade 3. It became an adult band then, so I could compete as well with the band. I’ve been with the band ever since.
"In the last couple of years I've taken on the role of chairman as well as being part of the drum court.
“We had 16 members at the World Championships on Saturday. There are still some of the younger people, who were kids when I first joined the band, who have grown up and are working now. The age of members ranges with our youngest member just having left school so is around 16 or 17 right up to me – and I am 64!
“It has been a very good year for the band. Pipe major Neil Matheson has worked really hard with the pipe core over the season.”
John made the point of emphasising that the progress of the band would not have been possible without the support of their sponsors from Invergordon Distillery and the use of facilities at Ardross Alness Bowling Club for the band's practices.
When looking to next season, John admitted that with going up a grade the band would face new obstacles in its growth and development.
“The challenge is getting new members in," he said. "We have already managed to attract some new drummers and pipers, hopefully. We are always looking to expand the size of the band and to get people to help out with the competing side of things.”
