DREICH weather did not dampen spirits for Fife bands at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships and Kelty and Blairadam had a successful day.

With Dumbarton Rock and the River Clyde serving as a backdrop to the event at Levengrove Park, pipers and drummers from more than 120 bands travelled to take part in the championships on Saturday July 27.

The rain beat down heavily for most of the day, making for difficult playing conditions for all bands, however, this did not dampen spirits for the Fife pipe bands who had much success.

Police Scotland, Fife, under the direction of Douglas Murray, placed 6th with their medley performance in the most prestigious event, the grade 1 competition.

Success was also gained from Methil and District, under the direction of Robert Barnes, placed second in grade 4a, Glenrothes and District, under the direction of Ian Findlay, who were placed 4th and Kelty and Blairadam Pipe Band, under the direction of Andrew Keatings, who were placed 6th in their grade 4a heat.

Kelty and Blairadam were particularly delighted with the results given this is their first year in grade 4a, after a successful year last year saw them secure a second place at the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green and gain a promotion through the ranks.

All bands will now return to the practice halls as they spend the next two weeks fine tuning to build upon their successes at the 2019 world championships at Glasgow Green on the 16th and 17th August.