Grampian Police Pipe Band has notched up third place in the prestige European Championships.

The band took the bronze spot in the Grade 2 medley competition against tough opposition in the second-biggest competition in the piping calendar.

Police Pipe Band Pipe Major Drew Sinclair said: "I was really pleased with how we sounded and played."

"It was a really strong performance against some of the best opposition in Britain, as well as from overseas."

The Pipe Band won its podium place at the European Pipe Band Championships, held in the grounds of Stormont Castle in Belfast at the weekend.

A total of 122 pipe bands took part, with competitiors coming from as far afield as Australia and the US.

The Grampian Pipe Band took third place against a field of 17 bands in the Grade 2 medley event.

The Grade 2 category was won by Ravara Pipe Band, while second spot went to fellow Irish competitors Seven Towers.  Fourth place went to Dumfries & Galloway Police.

And other North East Bands also did well.  Deeside Caledonia was placed 3rd in grade 3A and Buchan was 6th in the grade 2 event. 

Rumour has it members of the three Bands met up after the competition and enjoyed some local hospitality!

The Police Pipe Band has already notched up a first in the Scottish Championships and came third in its category in the British Championships, held in Annan, Dumfries-shire, at the end of June.

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

Grampian Police can next be seen competing at Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, on Sunday, August 8, as they prepare for the World Pipe Band Championships, in Glasgow on Saturday, August 14.

ENDS