THE best Pipe Bands from all over South East Central Scotland will descend on Innerleithen this Saturday (September 8) for the annual Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships.

The event will be held in the grounds of St Ronan’s School in Innerleithen, with the bands battling it out to see who will triumph supreme.

Allan Johnston, the Secretary of St Ronan’s Piping Society, who runs the competition told us: “The contest will feature over 25 performances with bands from Grades 2, 3, 4, Novice Juvenile and a Juvenile and Adult Drum Majors completion.

“There will be something for everyone and at the end of the day we will be handing out a fine array of trophies and prize money amounting to over £2000 to the successful bands.”

In addition to the fine Pipe Band music there will be an array of stalls, a face painter, pony rides, snack bar, plus a bar.

Allan added: “Our Chieftain this year needs no introduction to the Innerleithen music scene; David Lindsay, Davy to his many friends has been involved the St Ronan’s Silver Band for over 53 years.”

And David Lindsay spoke of his honour of the role as Cheiftain.

He said: “Music has been a large part of my life, but as part of a different genre to pipe bands.

“I am an avid member of the now world-famous St. Ronan’s Silver Band based here in Innerleithen, however this has never dampened my enjoyment of pipe bands and I particularly enjoy the massed bands elements of Games Week.

“I am highly honoured to be Chieftain of this year’s Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships and I would like to commend the outstanding efforts of the Piping Society who have built up this competition to be one of the most highly regarded competitions in the piping and drumming calendar.”

David will take over the Chain of Office from 2015 Chieftain, Norman Scott who is standing in for last year’s Chieftain John Connor. 

David will take the salute from the massed bands along with a prizegiving at 4.30pm and (weather permitting) and will later be saluted by the participating bands as they parade at around 5.15pm from St. Ronan’s Road, Queen Street, Horsbrugh Street and High Street to fall out in Hall Street.

As an added attraction to this year’s event the RSPBA Lothian & Borders Branch will be crowning their Champion of Champions the bands who have won overall during the competitive season.

Entry to the event will be £3 per person (£2 concession), £1 for children over five years. Entry is free for children under five, and children in buggies.

Parking will be £2 per car.