More than 600 young pipers and drummers from across the nation gathered yesterday to participate in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.
Bands from across the Highlands and Islands were praised for their efforts to compete in the renowned championships, which took place in Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston.
One group will have made a round trip of nearly four days to take part in the event by the time they return to their homes in Uist.
The Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band scooped second place in the Freestyle category.
The band also took home a cheque for £500, and the cash prize will be shared with the school music department.
Piping tutor Donald Ban MacDonald said: “The journey for some of our pupils from the islands outlying Benbecula starts at 4am on Friday so that we can take part in the Championships on Sunday. The kids won’t be too disappointed if we don’t get back by Monday because of the weather.
“It’s such a fantastic competition. As long as we get here we know we’re going to play because it’s indoors and we get to meet and play with schools from the length and breadth of Scotland.”
The Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award, named in honour of the 14-year-old Barra girl who was tragically killed in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing, was taken home by Upper Nithsdale Junior Pipe Band and the Sanquhar Schools Pipe Band.
Eilidh MacLeod was a member of the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band and the memorial award is given to the pipers displaying a great manner of endeavour, team spirit, commitment and camaraderie.
The Upper Nithsdale Junior Pipe Band and Sanquhar Schools Pipe Band were commended by the judging panel for their entry. It was highlighted in their submission that the band’s philosophy was to “support each child to develop and realise their personal aspirations”.
It added: “The band has never refused tuition to anyone regardless of their abilities or shortcomings.”
Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band also tasted success by securing third place in the Novice Juvenile A category, with Isle of Bute Schools scooping top prize for the best debutant performance.