A RECORD number of young people have signed up to take part in the world’s biggest piping festival in Glasgow.

Around a third of the 800 performers at this year’s Piping Live! and 40% of competitors in The World Pipe Band Championships are under the age of 25, according to organisers.

The seven-day festival will return to Glasgow on August 13 with competitors travelling from as far afield as Canada and New Zealand to take part.

This year, the majority of the 214 bands entered are expected to field pipers and drummers under the age of 25.

Roddy MacLeod, Festival Director of Piping Live! said there had been a spike in the number of young people taking up piping.

He said: “Piping is an activity for all ages and it’s always great to see so many people, especially those under 25, travel from as far away as Canada and New Zealand to participate in Piping Live!

“They’re the future of piping who will keep it alive for generations to come.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “The valuable social aspect of being part of a musical group helps builds global friendships and relationships that can last a lifetime.”