The band that led Moray’s heroic RAF Regiment troops on their homecoming parade through Elgin last month kept an important date of their own at the weekend.
The pipes and drums of 2622 (Highland) Squadron have taken a top prize at the British Pipe Band Championships held in Bathgate.
A Reserve RAF Regiment band, 2622 were crowned overall champions in the Grade 4 element of the competition – setting themselves up nicely for the forthcoming European Championships on home ground in Forres.
2622 is a relatively young pipe band that was formed by Reserve RAF Regiment Gunner Flight Sergeant John Grant in 1999. Over the years the band has gone from strength to strength and now boasts a membership aged from just 14 to 60.
John said: “I was delighted with the Bands success last year, gaining a 4th at the British and 3rd at the Europeans, but I am over the moon with this result.
“It is all down to the commitment, dedication and professionalism of both our civilian and Service players who have given a great deal of their own time to raise the Band to this standard.
“Pipe Major Peter Morrice from Banff left the Field with tears of joy proudly carrying the Prestigious Trophy. It was a similar spectacle with Lead Drummer Marlene Wilson.”
The band will compete at ‘Piping Hot Forres’, the European Championships, at Grant Park on June 28 – ticket information can be obtained online.