The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band made their debut this Saturday at the 75th Anniversary of the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green. This is the first time in our fifty year history that the RGC Pipe Band has competed at the World Pipe Band Championships. 

This year, 190 bands representing 15 countries took part in this prestigious event across the 18th and 19th August. The line-up of nations competing, from Australia to Zimbabwe, featured: Australia (5 bands), Belgium (2 bands), Canada (12 bands), Eire (8 bands), England (6 bands), France (2 bands), Israel (1 band), Malaysia (1 band), Netherlands (1 band), New Zealand (4 bands), Northern Ireland (21 bands), Oman (2 bands), Scotland (116 bands), USA (8 bands) Zimbabwe (1 band).  

Our 30 strong pipers and drummers travelled to Glasgow to take part on Saturday morning in the Novice Juvenile section. Contingent Commander, Mr Sumner was proud to lead the pipe band during the performance, supported by Lottie R, the pipe band’s new and first RGC female Drum Major. Looking smart in their uniform, the pipe band showed off some fantastic piping and drumming, with everyone soaking up this experience to the fullest.

With nearly 9,000 pipers taking part in this year's Championships, 40% were aged under 21 years and whilst traditionally the youngest pipers at Worlds are in their early teens. Robert Gordon’s Pipe Band showcased talented pipers and drummers from as young as Primary 6 in the lineup for the championships. With around 40,000 spectators and the BBC filming the event for online viewing, this prestigious competition has showcased Scotland’s young musical talent in a spectacular display which has been fantastic for our talented pupils to have experienced their first World Championships.

Mr Sumner commented “A proud and historic day being the first time RGC Pipe Band have taken part in the Worlds, it was a chance to benchmark ourselves against the elite Pipe Bands who exist to compete. The performance we produced was professional, musical and another step forward in our evolution as a band. It is important that we harness the experience to help us keep improving both individually and as a Pipe Band".

Lottie R adds “It was lovely seeing the World Pipe Band Championships bring together so many people from all over the world. I am very proud of what the band has achieved this weekend and it has been a very valuable experience to perform in the presence of grade 1 bands which we aspire to become as good as”.

Congratulations to all our pipe band members for their high quality performances and team work throughout the day.