THE COUNTDOWN is on for Ayrshire schools set to compete in one of the nation’s biggest piping and drumming events.

Six schools from South Ayrshire will play at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship (SSPBC), with Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Girvan Academy, Kyle Academy and Queen Margaret Academy all participating.

Entries are also now officially open for the competition’s coveted Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award – an award honouring the young Manchester Arena attack victim from Barra, who would have turned 18 this month.

The Championships were launched in 2013, as part of a nationwide drive by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to revive dwindling access to the instruments across schools.

Alexandra Duncan, Chief Executive of SSPDT, said: “The Championships are a huge day in the piping calendar and after a long break due to the pandemic, we are sure it will be a very special return next month.

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“Playing in pipe bands can improve so much more than just musical skills for young people and the Championships next month are a major celebration of that.

“As the big day gets closer, we can’t wait to welcome more than 120 schools to what is always an incredible, music-filled celebration.”

Featuring 81 performances across the day, the event will be hosted by East Ayrshire Council and see pipe bands, quartets and freestyle ensembles go head-to-head at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on March 12, 2023.

Expert judges will adjudicate eight categories, ranging from Debut to Novice Juvenile.

The Championship is independently organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT). 

For more information on the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, visit http://www.thechampionships.org.uk/

For more information on the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, visit www.sspdt.org.uk