Grampian Police Pipe Band gave arguably their best performance of the 2009 season to claim a coveted third place at the Cowal Highland Gathering, this weekend.

Competing at the last competition of the season, the band were third out of a field of 17 in what was described as a strong Grade 2 section of the competition, held in Dunoon, Argyll on Saturday, August 29.

Band Pipe Major Drew Sinclair, who has led the band for the past 13 years, said: "This is our best result at a major competition for many years.  We are absolutely delighted.

"Our results have shown we have been continually improving throughout the year and we did really well at the Worlds recently coming fifth.  This however, tops that and confirms we have the players, ambition and potential to go even further."

The band were third overall for ensemble, their best ensemble place this year while the drum corps received a massive lift, being placed fifth overall.  Again, this provided them with their highest placing at a major competition this year.

Pipe Major Sinclair said: "It's good to see our hard work being recognised.  In a year which has predominantly required us to play March, Strathspey and Reels, it was also nice to get an opportunity to play our medley selection on Saturday."

He added, "While we can now enjoy a break from competing, the hard work for next season will shortly start and we have already started speaking to some additional players who will come in a strengthen our current corps." 

The band, sponsored by Aberdeen-based oil engineering firm Balmoral Group, is a mix of police, police staff and civilians drawn from all walks of life.

And PM Sinclair said that the band was always looking for experienced players to join them.

He said: "We know we have the potential to go further and we will start getting ready for next season very soon.  This will give new players time to bed in.  It's important that we build on this seasons success to achieve what we are capable of."

PM Sinclair said, "Although the season has just finished, I'm already looking forward to next season."

The band will continue with a number of public and charity performances throughout the remainder of the year.