LOCALS and visitors alike descended on St Ronan's Primary at the weekend for the annual Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships.

Pipers and drummers from across the country took part the competition, which is now in its 18th year.

Organised by St Ronan’s Piping Society, the contest brought this year’s Lothian and Borders branch season to a close.

And those who turned out were treated to 18 performances.

Bruce Hamilton, president of St Ronan’s Piping Society said: "There was something for everyone and at the end of the day we handed out a fine array of trophies, beer, whisky and prize money amounting to over £2,000 to the winning bands and Drum Majors.

"This was followed by the street parade where seven bands paraded along Innerleithen High street to bring the event to a close.

"Stockbridge Pipe Band won the Best Band Along the Street accolade and was awarded the Joyce Gordon Memorial Shield and £50.

"Marching and Discipline on the park this year was won by Royal High School Edinburgh, who lifted the Chieftain 2002 Shield and £50."

Locally, the Tweedvale Pipe Band was second in grade three and second in grade two.

Meanwhile Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s also enjoyed a successful day finishing second in grade 4.

It was also a special afternoon for this year's Chieftain Stuart Robertson.

The Vale of Leithen football club chairman told us: "I would like to thank St Ronan's Pipe Band Society for making me Chieftain.

"It was such an honour. Saturday will remain in my memory for a long time.

"I look forward to assisting next year’s Chieftain as much as I can, as Davy Lindsay, last year’s Chieftain has done for me.

"I would also like to thank Norman Scott; Andy Caldwell for his support and the Bands and Drum Majors for making it possible."

Results:

Novice Juvenile Contest: 1st George Watson’s Novice Juvenile B; 2nd Tynecastle.

Grade 4 March Contest: 1st Camelon and District; 2nd Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s; 3rd Stockbridge.

Grade 4 MSR: 1st Royal High; 2nd Penicuik; 3rd George Watson’s College Novice Juvenile B; 4th Camelon and District.

Grade 3: 1st Stockbridge; 2nd Tweedvale; 3rd Royal High; 4th Penicuik.

Grade 2: 1st Stockbridge; 2nd Tweedvale.

Adult Drum Majors was won by Richard Henderson from Royal Burgh of Langholm Pipe Band.

Juvenile Drum Majors was won by Becky Cox from Troon Blackrock Pipe Band.

The RSPBA Lothian & Borders Branch also awarded their 'Champion of Champions' to the bands who have won overall during the whole of the competitive season.

Results:

Novice Juvenile - George Watson’s College; Juvenile - George Heriot’s School; Grade 4 - Camelon and District; Grade 3 - Stockbridge; Grade 2 - Scottish Fires and Rescue; Grade 1 - Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caladonia; Adult Drum Major - Michael Binder, Royal High; Juvenile Drum Major - Eve Llewellyn, Camelon and District.