MEMBERS of Barrhead and District Pipe Band have been celebrating after they bagged their first ever title.

The group, which was formed nine years ago, triumphed in the Grade 4 event at the Ardrossan Highland Games.

It was an emotional achievement for pipe major Iain Grant, 50, as he won the same competition with Neilston and District Pipe Band 27 years ago.

The victory was also a reward for those who have helped to keep the band going during the Covid pandemic, when many musicians put their instruments away as lockdown restrictions made face-to-face rehearsals impossible.

Iain, who has been piping for the last 36 years and works for East Renfrewshire Council, said: “This was our first ever win and we are delighted.

“It was a great achievement, given that we lost a lot of members due to the Covid pandemic.

“Many of the bands we competed against in Ardrossan have competed at a much higher level, such as the British Championships.”

The band was formed in 2013 but only started competing in 2018 and has taken part in six events since. It has members as young as nine, with the oldest aged 67.

Anyone interested in joining can call Iain on 0775 118 0684 or email barrheadpipeband@gmail.com.