The leader of Barrhead and District Pipe Band (BDPB) has heaped praised on his players as they near the end of a very successful second competitive season.
The band, competing in Grade 4B, made the final of the World Pipe Band Championships for the first time in the group's history when the competition was held last month on Glasgow Green.
Placing 10th in the world was the latest in a string of impressive results this year for BDPB, which is due to celebrate its 10th birthday in the beginning of October.
Pipe Major Iain Grant told the Barrhead News: “The Worlds is obviously the biggest stage for piping and for pipe bands and in order to get into the top 12, you have to qualify from a group of 20, which is quite a hard task in itself.
“So for a lot of bands who qualify, that is drawing on a trophy to get into that final.
“We made the final and given the fact that we've only been competing for two seasons, we've done remarkably well.
“I’m very proud of all of the team that they managed to up the ante as it were to pull that one out.
“I'm now looking forward to season ahead and hopefully we'll have a better season.”
The band, who have just one competition left this season, this weekend in Pitlochry, notably also secured fourth place in the Bridge of Allan Highland Games in August, a huge result after being up against 15 other bands, and second place at Innerleithen in June.
The string of positive results has been a testament to the increasing standard of the band, who have been working very hard to improve the overall abilities and sound of the group.
“Going from last year to this year, I don't think there's any particular words I could say for how much we've improved in campaign form,” added Iain.
“It's been massive and we've had something like eight or nine trophies this year from various competitions, so it’s just showed me the calibre of what we're doing is very much on the up.
“Next year's plan is to get a more consistent top three finish in each competition we play in, whether it’s a minor or a major.”
READ MORE: Barrhead pipe band blow rivals away to bag first ever title win
To mark the 10th anniversary, the band is hoping to arrange a party, which will bring together past and current members.
“It’s been a really tough ten years,” explained Iain. “I’ve started the band four times in that period to try and keep it going.
“We're always looking for new members because it's the only way that I can increase the overall size and quality within the band.
“So, we're always looking for experienced players to come along and join up and I'm hoping that this year I can maybe get a few more in.”
The band rehearse on Tuesdays for beginners and also practice on Thursdays at the United Serviceman’s Club, Paisley Road, Barrhead.
Those interested in joining are asked to get in touch with Iain on 07751180684 or by emailing barrheadpipeband@gmail.com.
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