The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North also praised his constituent from Inchinnan, Pipe Major Keith Bowes, after obtaining 1st prize in Grade 2 and 9th for Grade 4 at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow last weekend.

The World Pipe Band Championships were attended by 230 pipe bands and 8,000 pipers and drummers from across the world to Glasgow Green compete in the competitions.

Mr Newlands said: “Congratulations to Johnstone Pipe Band on their most successful year in their history – and a special congratulations to Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jnr on an outstanding start to his new role.

“I am immensely proud that Johnstone Pipe Band, whose drummers and pipers come from across Renfrewshire, are going from strength to strength after their success at the Scottish, British, UK and European Championships.” Keith Bowes, the Pipe Major of the Grade 2 Pipe band, added: “I was shocked when we won because it was my first year as the Pipe Major after taking over from my Dad, who served for 20 years, last year.

“It is quite fitting that my Dad won Grade 3A last year and I’ve picked up the baton and we’ve won Grade 2 this year.

“This is a newly formed band and this is the first year that we have competed in Grade 4, so to secure 9th place is brilliant.”