It’s a family affair at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships on Saturday
Drumming up interest in the championships – Vale of Leven’s Rowan Murdoch with her dad, George.
By Democrat reporter
An Alexandria dad and daughter are making the Scottish Pipe band Championships a family affair this year as they gear up to compete alongside each other.
Rowan Murdoch, 16, is making a name for herself in the competition as a drum major for Johnstone Pipe Band while dad George, 38, who has been competing in the championships since 1999, will perform as a tenor drummer for Lower Clyde Pipe and Drums.
They are among thousands of competitors who will gather at the newly upgraded Levengrove Park on Saturday, 27 July.
Rowan, who attends Vale of Leven Academy, said: “There’s something really special about the Scottish Championships being at home. It makes me very proud to perform in my home town and I’m hoping to be placed this year. It’s great to compete alongside my dad too.”
As one of the biggest free pipe band competitions in the world, the competition brings more than 100 bands and 25,000 visitors to the area for a day of traditional Scottish music and Highland Dancing.
Depute Provost Karen Conaghan said: “We are very proud and honoured to be hosting the Scottish Pipe Band Championships in West Dunbartonshire for the 20th year, it’s a real celebration of tradition.
“Nothing beats the sound of the pipes and the sight of the bands in their traditional Highland dress, and with the upgrades recently carried out in Levengrove Park, it really is a very special venue too.”
Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, added: “Year after year this has been a fantastic event and it’s always popular with competitors and spectators. Plans are going well and I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone later this month.”
The annual competition brings significant financial benefit to the West Dunbartonshire economy, with visitors spending at the event and in local shops, restaurants, bars, guest houses and hotels.
There is a pay and park facility at the venue, but due to the high volume of people expected at the event, visitors are encouraged to use public transport. Dalreoch railway station and buses into Dumbarton High Street are both within easy walking distance of the park.
