Pipers and drummers from Renfrewshire were confirmed as among the best on the planet at the weekend.

Youngsters from Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band bagged first place in the Novice B category at the fiercely-competitive World Pipe Band Championships.

It was their second major competition win this year, following on from success in the same category at the 2023 Scottish Pipe Band Championships last month.

Keith Bowes, pipe major of Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, said members of the group are "over the moon" about their latest victory at Glasgow Green.

He told The Gazette: "It's been a successful season and this has just been the icing on the cake.

The Gazette: Members of Renfrewshire Schools Pipe BandMembers of Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band (Image: Tracy Scott)

"The band played to the best of their ability in a nice musical style and with forward momentum."

The pipe band emerged victorious out of the 30 groups from across the globe that competed in the Novice B category, with some travelling from as far away as Australia to attend.

Keith said: "We didn't leave Glasgow Green until 9pm and had a wee celebration at the Johnstone Pipe Band Hall once we got back.

"We are lucky that Sky Arts have been following the band this summer as part of a documentary and captured a lot of our performances and reactions.

"It's just been a super season from start to finish, and as a band, we'd like to thank Renfrewshire Council for all their support and getting the band to where it is."

The Gazette: St Columba's School Pipe BandSt Columba's School Pipe Band (Image: Supplied)

Members of St Columba's School Pipe Band, based in Kilmacolm, were victorious in the Novice A category during the event on Saturday.

Their Band 1 group also won the Champion of Champions award in the same category following their spectacular performance.

Gordon Bruce, Piping and Drumming programme manager at St Columba's School Pipe Band, said members are "absolutely thrilled" with their success.

The bagpipe and chanter instructor added: "The school and wider community are firmly behind us so bringing these titles home felt absolutely wonderful. 

"The news has not quite sunk in, despite the raucous cheers, leaps and hugs on Glasgow Green and then the celebratory performance on our return to Kilmacolm on Saturday evening. 

The Gazette:

"I have no idea how one of our pipers, Cayla, took to the stage for the award presentation with such decorum and grace because we were not quite so calm on the ground – hearing our newly acquired accolades ringing out across Glasgow was an incredibly special moment for us all."

Gordon said the pipe band's latest titles were the product of months and years of hard work by its members.

He added: "The programme is a key part of their young lives; while some pupils may set down their pipes or drum after school, all the skills they have learned from the piping and drumming programme's world-leading staff, which includes Miss Augaitis (tenor and bass drums), Mr Gray (bagpipes/chanter), and Mr Ross (snare drum) will stand them in very good stead for the future.

"I couldn't be more proud of our musicians and the tenacity they have shown; to have been promoted twice in two years and to have won Champion of Champions in 2022 and 2023, it really just shows that you can achieve your goals if you really set your mind to it!"