South Ayrshire Council has teamed up with the RSPBA to bring the United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships to Ayr on Saturday, June 26, 2027. It will be the town’s first Major since 2002, held at Riverside Sports Arena and Ayr Academy.
“Auld Ayr, wham ne’er a toun surpasses, for honest men and bonnie lasses.”
from Tam o’ Shanter by Robert Burns
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council is delighted to announce that Ayr will host the 2027 United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships, bringing one of the Major Pipe Band Championships back to the town. This will be the first time since 2002 that Ayr has hosted a Major, marking a significant occasion for the town and the wider pipe band community.
The event will be held at Riverside Sports Arena and Ayr Academy on Saturday 26 June 2027, with bands and Drum Majors travelling from across the UK and further afield to compete for the United Kingdom Champion titles.
The event celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of pipe band music, providing a platform to showcase the exceptional talent, skill and dedication of musicians and performers. It also plays an important role in promoting and preserving this distinctive part of our cultural heritage for future generations.
Alongside the competition, visitors can look forward to a fantastic family-friendly day out, with a programme of entertainment and activities for all ages. A range of exhibition and trade stands, together with food stalls, will add to the event experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere for competitors, spectators and the local community alike.
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive, Colin Mulhern said: “We are absolutely delighted that the 2027 United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships will be hosted in Ayr. With the excellent facilities at Riverside Sports Arena and Ayr Academy, competitors and spectators can look forward to a first-class championship experience in one of Scotland’s most welcoming coastal communities.
On behalf of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to South Ayrshire Council for their valued partnership and commitment in bringing this event to life. Working together, we are confident that the 2027 Championships will be a spectacular showcase of pipe band and Drum Major excellence, celebrating the very best of our culture, heritage, and musical talent.
We look forward to welcoming bands, drum majors, supporters, and visitors from across the United Kingdom and around the world to what promises to be a memorable and outstanding championship event.”
Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, said: “We are delighted that Ayr has been selected to host this prestigious event, which will bring thousands of competitors and supporters from across the UK. It’s an opportunity to showcase all that Ayr has to offer, strengthening South Ayrshire’s reputation as a destination for cultural tourism.”
Councillor Clark, whose portfolio includes cultural services and tourism continued: “Pipe bands are an important part of Scotland’s cultural heritage, and this is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate that tradition while generating a boost for local businesses, accommodation providers, and the wider visitor economy. We look forward to working closely with organisers, partners, and the local community to deliver a memorable event.”
The RSPBA and South Ayrshire Council look forward to welcoming bands, supporters and visitors to Ayr for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of pipe band music and culture.
Further details will be shared via our website and social media channels in due course.