Grampian Police Pipe Band has made the perfect start to the 2011 season by winning the first Major Pipe Band Championships.

The 2010 Champions of Champions got their season off to the ideal start with a comprehensive win in the Grade 2 competition when they took to the rain soaked field at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton on Saturday 21 May 2011.

The Band, who are sponsored by Aberdeen based The Balmoral Group, retained the title of Scottish Champions for the second year on the trot.

Eighteen Bands took to the field in a competitive Grade 2 Medley competition.

The Police Band was placed first in piping by both piping judges, first in ensemble and fourth in drumming.

Speaking after the event, Pipe Major Drew Sinclair said, "We couldn't have wished for a better start.

"There were a lot of really good Bands playing today and I was really happy with the quality of our playing and despite the weather, we kept our overall sound. 

"We have been practicing hard and today it has paid off.

"I'm very proud of the players."

The Scottish Pipe Band Championships is one of the five ranking championships staged annually by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association attracting over 140 Pipe Bands from Britain, Europe and further a field.

The Band can next be seen competing in Turriff on Sunday 5 June and Aberdeen on Sunday 19 June.