Delighted to back amonst the prizes. That was the view of Pipe Major Drew Sinclair following Grampian Police Pipe Band's sucess at the European Pipe Band Championships.

136 pipe bands descended upon Battery Park, Greenock, on Saturday 25th July and competed in the second largest in the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Associations calendar of major events.

18 bands took to the field in a very competative grade 2 competition. Grampian Police Pipe Band were placed 6th overall.

Pipe Major Drew Sinclair said: "The standard of Bands in Grade 2 was really high and I'm delighted with how we performed.

I've been away due to work commitments recently and Colin Walker came in and did an excellent job leading the Band."

The band were placed 3rd and 2nd respectively in piping and 7th in drumming. However, the ensemble Judge placed them 15th.

Drew continued, "It was also a really good day for us and whilst I'm really pleased how the pipe corps played, I thought that was one of the best performances by our drum corps. It gave us the chance to get more experience playing as a unit under the pressure of a major competition.

Declining to make specific comment on the ensemble position, Drew added: "It also exposed us to another set of judges and their observations and criticisms, some of which will be considered and some put down to personal preferences".

The European Pipe Band Championships saw over 4,000 competitors taking part.

The stunning weather and panoramic views of the Clyde Estuary and Hills of Argyll made a stunning backdrop for the spectacle of the event.

ENDS