The winners of this year's World Pipe Band Champions have been crowned. 

Inveraray & District Pipe Band took the coveted title after seeing off stiff competition from runners-up Field Marshal Montgomery of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, and Simon Fraser University (Canada) who finished third.

This is the third time that Inveraray & District has been crowned World Champions, having previously lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2019.

(Image: Pictured are members of the Royal Army of Oman pipe band. Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

The prestigious international championships were held on Friday and Saturday, August 16 and 17 at Glasgow Green.

204 bands from 13 countries - including Australia and Hong Kong - took part in this year's competition, which saw more than 7,000 pipers and drummers taking to the field. 

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Around 35,000 were in attendance for the event which is delivered by Glasgow Life on behalf of The Royal Pipe Band Association with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, chieftain of The World Pipe Band Championships, said: “Glasgow is very proud of its long association with the Worlds and privileged to host an annual event which not only has such significance to the global pipe band community but is also an important celebration of Scotland’s culture and heritage.

"The championships are immensely valued; they enhance the city’s international reputation as an outstanding events destination, boost tourism, and contribute greatly to our local economy.

“We are grateful to The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association for continuing to trust us to stage its flagship contest, and Event Scotland for its support of the event. Our thanks also go to every one of the incredibly talented musicians who have gathered on Glasgow Green to treat our audiences to an incredible display of their skills, and to everyone who joined us to support this year’s thrilling championships. And our congratulations go to the 2024 World Champions, Inveraray & District Pipe Band.”

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Colin Mulhern, chief executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “Competition for this year’s Worlds was incredibly close, and our top Grade one bands battling for the ultimate title of World Champions had a fiercely fought contest. They, and all of our competitors this year, did themselves, their bands, and their countries proud. And Inveraray & District are very worthy winners; their achievement in securing the 2024 World Champions title was outstanding and they deserve huge congratulations.

“It was fantastic to have so many great bands, from so many countries, taking part in this year’s Worlds – and of course, so many supporters and spectators coming together for this year’s championships. That’s a clear indication of the level of talent that’s thriving in the international pipe band community and the passion of musicians the world over. It also demonstrates the strength of global interest there is in the championships, and in the traditional music and culture of Scotland.”

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, added: “The World Pipe Band Championships is the pinnacle of the piping calendar, and it was fantastic to see more than 7,000 drummers and pipers from around the world travel to take part in this global event.

“Glasgow Green once again provided the perfect stage for a truly memorable and competitive competition. Well done to all the bands who took part and congratulations to Inveraray & District Pipe Band on being crowned 2024 World Pipe Band Champions.

“EventScotland is proud to support the World Pipe Band Championships through our International Programme. It is part of an enviable portfolio of events that showcase and reinforce Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination.”

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

(Image: Photograph by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Highlights from this year’s World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on August 23 at 8pm.

Next year’s World Pipe Band Championships will be held on August 15 and 16.