Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia crowned winners of 2023 World Pipe Band Championships

The spectacular finale of 2023 the World Pipe Band Championships saw musicians from West Lothian crowned winners of the renowned international contest.

The Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, based in Bathgate, fought off stiff competition during the two-day contest.

It is the long-established Scottish pipe band’s first-ever World Champions title.

Last year’s champions the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, came in second, and Inveraray and District Pipe Band finished in third place.

This year's World Pipe Band Championships attracted around 35,000 spectators. — This year’s World Pipe Band Championships attracted around 35,000 spectators. SNS Group

This year’s “ultimate battle of the bands”, which took place on Glasgow Green on Friday and Saturday, attracted around 35,000 spectators – alongside 190 bands from 15 countries.

The largest contingent of pipe bands – a total of 116 – came from Scotland.

Glasgow, a Unesco City of Music, first hosted the World Pipe Band Championships 75 years ago in 1948 and has hosted the event every year since 1986.

The Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band celebrates winning the World Pipe Band Championships. SNS Group

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, chieftain of the World Pipe Band Championships, said: “It has been wonderful for the city to host the Worlds once again, bringing together the planet’s finest and most talented pipers and drummers. It’s a contest of huge importance to the global pipe band community and a firm cultural favourite here.

“Our thanks go to all the musicians and, of course, congratulations to Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band on bringing the World Champions title back home to Scotland.”

It was the Bathgate-based band's first world title. — It was the Bathgate-based band’s first world title. SNS Group

Kevin Reilly, thairman of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “All of the pipers and drummers who gathered in Glasgow for this year’s championships did their bands and their countries proud.

“They treated our audiences to an incredible display of talent and skill, making the event a huge success and unforgettable experience.

“Huge congratulations go to our 2023 World Champions Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band – they are very deserving winners.”