European shield for Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drum School

The Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drum School (RACPADS) were delighted with their success in the European Pipe Band Championships which saw them come 6th out of 15 pipe bands in a tough category, to receive the Jim Baxter shield. This success is all the more remarkable as this is only the second year the group have taken part in competitons.

At the European Championships, held this weekend in Forres, the young pipers and drummers were determined to improve on their previous outstanding achievement at the recent British Pipe Band Championship where they were the first junior band from the Highlands to qualify for the final, narrowly missing being placed by just 1 point.  

The band has over 50 children from 13 primary schools and 4 secondary schools, forming a competing band and a developmental band.  

Pipe major, Niall Matheson and Drum Major, Drew Caldwell are confident of the band`s continued success when they compete at the Worlds Pipe band Championship in Glasgow.  

Drew Caldwell added: “We are a young band in only our second year of competition, but we have exceeded all expectations. Well Done RACPADS!”