Scotland’s premier youth piping and drumming competition is set to make history this year with a record-breaking ninety-four bands taking part – the largest number in the event’s history.
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Championships will take place at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on Sunday, March 9, welcoming entrants from 144 schools across Scotland.
Competition running order and playing times can be found here.
Piping talent from every corner of Scotland
The prestigious competition has attracted sixteen pipe bands from the islands this year. Among the furthest-travelled will be Sgoil Lionacleit and Sgoil Bhàgh a’Chaisteil pipe bands, making the journey from the Outer Hebrides.
2025 also marks a significant milestone for Tynecastle Youth Community Pipe Band, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The programme, which is based in an Edinburgh high school where over forty languages are spoken, has recently expanded into cluster primary schools, welcoming an increasingly diverse group of young musicians.
It’ll be a big day for Tynecastle band member Olivia Cockburn (11) who has been promoted to lead drummer after just one year of learning the instrument. Self-taught at the age of ten before joining the school’s structured tuition programme, Olivia has excelled through dedication and practice. Reflecting on her achievement, Olivia said: “I am very happy to be lead drummer, but it can be scary. To be more confident I look at someone random!”
Another success story comes from the Isle of Arran Music School, which recently secured a multi-year grant in recognition of its outstanding work. Currently 29% of children and young people on Arran participate in its programme.
A parent of two of the band’s young musicians shared: “This gives my sons the opportunity to learn an instrument that I would otherwise struggle to financially support…. and socialise with friends outside of school hours on an island that has social limitations for teenage boys.”
Kinross-shire Schools Pipe Band has also made remarkable strides in re-establishing its tuition programme after the challenges of the pandemic. Seventy-seven young people are now involved, and this will be the first time the band competes in the Championships.
One of the competition’s most hotly contested categories is ‘Freestyle’, which comes with a prize fund of £2,500 for first place – the largest prize of its kind for young musicians in Scotland.
The prestigious Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award, celebrating dedication and resilience in young musicians, will also be awarded on the day of the event.
Scotland’s school pipe bands set to make history
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, which runs the Championships, has been instrumental in making pipe band participation accessible to young people across Scotland. Over the past decade, the Trust has helped remove financial barriers by providing grants, internships, free instrument loans and tuition.
Commenting ahead of this year’s record-breaking event, Lindsay MacKenzie, the newly appointed CEO of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, said:
“This event is a true celebration of the talent, dedication and passion of Scotland’s young pipers and drummers.
“The record number of schools and bands taking part this year is a testament to the growing investment in piping and drumming education and the commitment of tutors, parents, and young musicians alike.
“School pipe bands play a vital role in education – fostering teamwork, self-discipline, wellbeing and cultural pride. They also help young people build confidence, develop valuable life skills and create a strong sense of community.”
East Ayrshire Provost, Claire Leitch, added: “It’s an honour to once again host this incredible celebration of young musical talent in Kilmarnock.
“The skill and commitment of these young pipers and drummers is truly inspiring, and the event continues to be a highlight in Scotland’s cultural calendar.
“We look forward to welcoming participants from across the country and celebrating the rich tradition of pipe band music.”
Hall Allocation and Category Times
Hall A
09:00 – 10:04 Novice Juvenile A
10:30 – 11:10 Juvenile
11:40 – 15:47 Freestyle
Hall B
09:00 – 12:28 Novice Juvenile B
13:00 – 13:24 Junior A
14:00 – 15:36 Junior B
Hall C
09:30 – 11:22 Quartets
14:00 – 15:12 Junior C
Menu for cafeteria at the Championships!
Click here to view the menu/prices for the Championships – Championships Menu
