Canadian pipe band crowned world champions after ‘truly thrilling’ contest

A pipe band from Canada is the first from outside the UK since 2010 to win the World Pipe Band Championships.

Pipers and drummers from Simon Fraser University in Canada were celebrating after being crowned world champions in Glasgow on Saturday night.

The Canadians triumphed over 211 bands from 14 countries in the contest, which is held annually on Glasgow Green.

The two-day event attracted bands from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Oman and France, with Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany also represented.

The two-day event is held in Glasgow STV News

The Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, were runners up, coming in ahead of the Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia band, who were in third place.

Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us throughout our 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.

“This year’s World Championships provided a truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition.

“Huge congratulations go to the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University, on securing the grade one global title.

“Every band that took part can be immensely proud of their performances.

“They delivered a fantastic competition and demonstrated the dedication, commitment, skill and talent that continue to make the world of pipe band competition so special.”

Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie said said the city was “proud” to host the event.

She said: “The Worlds are such an important event for the city.

“Together with Piping Live! they create the biggest week of piping in the world, bringing the very best pipers and drummers together for a spectacular celebration of music and tradition, while shining an international spotlight on Glasgow as a welcoming destination for major events.

“The championships attract thousands of competitors, spectators and visitors to the city, providing a significant boost to tourism and making an important contribution to both the city and Scotland’s economy.”