ORGANISERS were celebrating another successful Pipe Band Championships as wet Borders weather failed to wreck the event at Innerleithen.
The rain that fell in the morning did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 22 pipe bands competing in the 14th renewal of the event at St Ronan's School.
A healthy crowd coupled with financial backing from townsfolk and sponsorship from local businesses ensured that the event made a profit on the day.
"We are absolutely delighted that everything went so well on the day," said Allan Johnston, the secretary of St Ronan's Piping Society, the charity responsible for organising the event.
"It costs around £5,500 to set up this day but with all the generosity of sponsors and townspeople as well as the money we took on the day for entry and parking it's been profitable.
"This means we can devote more of our funds to promoting piping and drumming in the town."
The worst weather came at the start of the event and the junior bands competition was moved indoors to the school hall. The rain cleared later, allowing the Grade Two and Grade Three events to be held in the school grounds.
"The quality of the bands was once again very high and I think all the competitors appreciated having the event held in such splendid surroundings," said Mr Johnston.
The event was staged at St Ronan's School for the first time last year - and this will now be the venue for the foreseeable future.
Organisers had been forced into making changes last year when another major pipe band was scheduled for June when the Innerleithen championships were originally to be held.
They decided to switch to a date in September but then were forced to find another location as the usual venue, Victoria Park, was required for football.
"It was a great success being moved to St Ronan's last year and this will now be our permanent home," said Mr Johnston. "We will also stick with the date of holding the event on the second Saturday in September."