Bands pipe up as championship makes return to Highland Centre

THE Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship is set to return to the Royal Highland Centre for a second year.

Last year, almost 40 band performers and more than 3000 visitors took part in the first major piping contest held in the Capital for 15 years.

Defending last year’s title, The Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band will once again face stiff competition from across Scotland as Grampian Police, Scottish Borders, Inveraray and District Pipe Band, and Central Scotland Police all compete for the 2012 title on August 19.

Archie Glendinning, director of the Royal Highland Centre, said: “Moving the event to August [from July] means we can capitalise on tourists attending the Edinburgh Festival, who may appreciate a day away from the hustle and bustle.”