A north-east pipe band will challenge some of the world’s elite musicians after securing promotion to the top tier competition class.
The Buchan Peterson Pipe Band has been promoted to Grade 1, joining 20 of the best bands from around the globe for 2017.
This includes appearances in both the European and World Championships – both of which are held in Scotland.
Founded in Peterhead, the Buchan Peterson band is composed of musicians from communities across the north-east including Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Huntly, Keith, Elgin, Forres and the Blue Toon.
Other members hail from Glasgow, Brechin and Kirriemuir.
The band is now the only one based north of Perth set to challenge at Grade 1 level in the World Championships next August.
They are also the first north of Scotland band to compete in the top tier since 2013.
Pipe Major Scott Oliphant is pleased with the progress the group has made in recent years, and is looking forward to competing with the best in the world. Fellow competitors come from as far afield as New Zealand and South Africa.
He said: “The promotion to Grade 1 is a great honour and the result of a lot of hard work from everyone involved, especially Brian Martin and Peter Carter who run the band’s drum corp.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to compete alongside the best pipe bands in the world and are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
The band’s elevation to Grade 1 comes on the back of four “very successful” years which include 15 major competition wins including the 2013 World Grade 2 prize.
Robert Skinner, chairman of the band, first played with the group 45 years ago and is now eager to see what the future holds.
“In football terms we have moved from the Championship to the Premier League, and our first goal must be to ensure we consolidate our place at the top table of the pipe band world,” Mr Skinner said.
“I also hope our elevation will attract rising stars from the local area who would be keen to compete for the only north based Grade 1 pipe band.”
