World Pipe Band Championships

The World Pipe Band Championships as we currently know them have been staged since 1947 although the Grade 1 Pipe Band Competition winners at the annual Cowal Highland Gathering were recognised as World Champions as far back as 1906.

The Worlds now regularly attracts hundreds of bands with more than a quarter coming from overseas. The event regularly receives entries from 15 or more countries. The record entry is 239 bands. The bands are placed in 9 different competition grades according to ability and results. As many as 40% of the pipers and drummers taking part each year are 25 and under.