Renfrew’s Robertson Park will host Scotland’s top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday.
The free-to-attend event will see a full day of family entertainment in the park from 10am – including children’s activities and workshops, inflatables and a farmer’s market.
Judges from the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association will be judging the bands on their performances across the various grades. Spectators will be able to enjoy the performances during the day, with the March Past at approximately 5.15pm followed by the prize-giving with the Chieftain.
This year’s event Chieftain will be John Carty who worked with the Renfrew Development Trust to set up Renfrew Men’s Shed in 2023. He said:
“As a local lad who was brought up a small stone’s throw from Robertson Park it is a huge honour to have been asked to be Chieftain at the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
“I have been an educator in Renfrewshire for 37 years and I take great pride in watching young people grow and develop and use their talents to the full. I have watched with interest the development of the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band and I wish them and their competitors every success today.
“Renfrew Men’s Shed is actively involved in the local community and we encourage wellbeing and pride throughout our communities. As someone who has participated in musical events, I know how big a day it is for the competitors and how much preparation they’ll have put in.
“I’m looking forward to joining everyone for what I’m sure will be a fantastic day out. I wish all the competitors the best of success.”
Visitors should note there will be no public parking at the event. Free parking will be available a 5 minute walk away at St James Primary School, Brown Street.
Public transport to the park is also available with a number of bus stops conveniently located around Robertson Park on Inchinnan Road and Paisley Road. Transport provider McGill’s run a number of services through Renfrew, including the environmentally friendly Switch 26 and Switch 23 services.
More information about the event and the full order of competition for the day can be found at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/renfrew-pipe-band.
Headline photo: Renfrew Pipe Band Competition from 2023