Pipe Major Drew Sinclair believes Grampian Police Pipe Band can look forward with optimism after claiming a top place at the weekends British Pipe Band Championships.

The Scottish Champions secured a third place in a grade 2 medley competition at the sun swept event in Annan, on Saturday June 26th, 2010.

The Band were beaten into the third spot by a powerful Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary performance, which also won best drum corps for the local Band, and by Irish Band Ravara.

The Police Band was last of 17 Bands to compete in the grade.  Judges placed them 4th and 1st in piping, 5th in drumming and 4th in ensemble.

But Drew insists the performance was amongst the best the Band has played this season.   

He said: " D&G were strong across the board and worthy of their first place.  We were still right in the mix with only 3 points between the top 3 Bands.  The medley has come a long way in recent weeks and we will continue to improve before Ireland.

The third place keeps Grampian Police at the top of the Majors leader board but Drew believes it will be difficult to predict who will reign supreme at the remaining three Majors, particularly the prestigious World Pipe Band Championship in August.

He said:  "The grade 2 competition is shaping up to be really exciting this year.  There are some really excellent Bands all competing for the top spots and I think on their day, any one of at least four Bands is capable of winning a major. Add to that the overseas bands arriving for the world championship and it appears to be as open a grade as we have seen for several season’s ."

Drew also congratulated the other northeast Bands who picked up prizes.  He said: "I was delighted to hear Portlethen won grade 4B, while Fraserburgh RBL won grade 4A. Deeside Caledonia was 3rd in grade3A with the drum corps picking up best corps. Also in the Grade 2 prize list was Buchan who finished fourth just behind us to complete a great day for the northeast.

The British Pipe Band Championships is one of the five ranking championships staged annually by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association attracting over 115 Pipe Bands from Britain, Europe and further a field.  This was the first in a three-year deal at the championships new home.

The Band now has a month to prepare for the European Championships in Ireland at the end of July.