PICTURES: Piping’s return to Forres is success despite weather
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MORE than 10,000 people and 100 bands were in attendance as a bagpiping championship returned to Forres on Saturday.
The MacPiping Hot British Pipe Band Championships attracted pipers from as far afield as Canada to Grant Park on June 8 for hours of music and entertainment.
It was the first time such an event had been held in Forres since 2018, when the European Pipe Band Championships were held in the town.
Organiser Andy Macdonald, who also runs MacMoray Festivals in Elgin, was pleased to get a five-figure turnout.
However, he believes that more people would have come through the gates if not for inclement weather.
“The event was brilliant,” he said. “We had over 10,000 come and go throughout the day, which was good.
“Despite the rain, wind and temperature I feel everyone still really enjoyed themselves.
“I’m really proud of my team and everyone associated. It’s clear the piping belongs In Forres.”
Next up for Andy is Forres Fest, which will take place at Mosset Park, home of Forres Mechanics, on June 29. That is followed by a pair of Scooty and the Skyhooks gigs in Lossiemouth and Forres, before MacMoray Summer Special in August.
But there are plans for piping to return to Forres in 2025.
“Right now I’m just focusing on getting through the summer,” Andy added. “Once MacMoray Summer is over, I’ll disappear for a week and start planning 2025.
“I really enjoyed MacPiping and I loved that I could bring it back to Forres. I am fortunate enough that my company, YBD Music, was able to fund the RSPBA and organising costs.
“The costs are not cheap, but I’m just happy I was able to bring it back. It’s a different type of event than I’m used to, and I have certainly learnt a lot. If I was to do it again I would need help with sponsorship.
“It is extremely pricey to run, but in an ideal world I would love covered marquees, better toilets and much better weather!”
Grade One winners were Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia. The Glasgow Skye Association, Vale of Atholl, Burntisland and District, Fraserburgh Royal British Legion, 2 Scots Pipes, Drums and Bugles, George Watson’s College (Juvenile), Dollar Academy and Strathallan School were the day’s other winners.
Andy thanked Forres Highland Games Committee and Forres Events Limited for their “advice and expertise” in helping with the event’s organisation.
