Lewis Pipe Band represent the Western Isles at British Pipe Band Championships

The 30^th of June sees the Lewis Pipe Band represent the Western Isles by competing at the British Pipe Band Championships in Annan. This is just the second time in the band’s 108 year history that they have competed at a Major R.S.P.B.A. Championship, with the other coming in 2007, when the band played at the European Championships inInverness. A lot of hard work and dedication has been put in by all members of the band over the last few months, which will culminate in a 4 minute performance in the competition circle on the big day.

The Band will set off from Stornoway on Friday the 29^th of June and head for their base for the weekend in Carlisle, just a few miles from the competition venue in Annan, where they will be competing alongside over 140 Bands from all over the British Isles & Ireland. Once in Carlisle, the band will have the chance to put in their final preparations to ready themselves for the big day on Saturday the 30^th.

The competition day itself sees the Band’s particular grade split into 2 heats, with 6 from each heat progressing to a final, where those 12 bands battle it out to be crowned British Pipe Band Champions 2012. The Lewis Pipe Band plays 13^th in their heat, with their performance taking place just after11.30am. All going well, the band will qualify from their heat, and have the opportunity to play in the final for a chance to win a trophy to take back with them to the Isle of Lewis.

Chairman Sandy Gomez says, “The band are thoroughly looking forward to the trip, and are excited about the prospect of representing theIsland. They’ve all put in tremendous effort over the last few weeks especially, and hope to put in a flawless performance on the day and do theIslandproud. The opportunity of being amongst some of the best pipe bands will also be a great learning experience for all the members. We hope that everyone will have their fingers crossed for us for a great result!”

A lot of fundraising has taken place over the last few months to raise the funds necessary to take the Band on this trip, and we’d all like to thank everyone who has contributed to our events and raffles. Without the public support we receive, the band wouldn’t be able to continue.

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