THEY came from as far afield as Northumberland in a bid to to be crowned champions at Innerleithen but it was bands from the Edinburgh area that carried off several of the main prizes.

More than 500 people attended the 13th Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships at St Ronan’s School and were treated to more than 23 performances.

Judges reckoned the George Heriot’s Juvenile Pipe Band was one of the best as they took the trophy in the grade two competition with City Of Edinburgh Pipe Band securing the Lothian and Borders Champion of Champions prize in the same grade.

In the grade three competition Stockbridge Pipe Band won the trophy and the Lothian and Borders Champion of Champions.

There was an away win in the the grade four competition as Northumberland Scottish Pipes and Drums took first place.

From much closer to home it was the Hawick Pipe Band that secured the overall Champion of Champions trophy for the season.

Local band Tweedvale emerged with credit taking third place in the grade three competition and with it the coveted Dot Rendle Memorial Trophy. The band, led by Pipe Major Bruce Gillie, filled the same spot in the the grade two competition winning the Bydand Cup donated by local piping legend and past Chieftain of the Championship Jack Purves.

The enthusiastic fans of pipes and drums picnicked in the warm sunshine surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of nearby Plora Craig bedecked in autumn colours and with views down the Tweed Valley towards Walkerburn.

Bruce Hamilton, President of St Ronan’s Piping Society, said: “Once again we have witnessed a fabulous day of piping and the support has been first class all made better by that great autumn sunshine.

“Today we have handed out just under £3,000 in prize money and numerous trophies all of which have been donated by local people or local businesses.” As a spectacular conclusion five bands with trophies held proudly aloft paraded along the High Street in Innerleithen to be greeted by a cheering crowd in a fitting tribute to an excellent day.