The Jersey Caledonian Pipe Band in action

THE Jersey Caledonian Pipe Band excelled in a highland music competition recently, ranking third in the overall standings.

The band were competing in the 125th Crieff Highland Gathering in Perthshire on 15 and 16 August. They were up against bands from Canada, America and New Zealand and won the bronze in the grade four section of the competition, which was cpmpeted for between 16 bands.

The band’s secretary, Jimmy McGovern, sad that it was a fantastic result for such a small Island. ‘This was the result of many hours of practice under the leadership of Pipe Major Cris Walters,’ he said.

Two young highland dancers also travelled to the games and won a host of medals for their efforts. Zoe Harris won five medals and Grace Allan four in the highland dancing events. Both girls are members of the Mary Walledge Dance Group.

The drummer of the pipe band, Grant Brown, also competed in the high jump and finished fourth overall.

The Crieff Highland Gathering has been held annually since 1870. It features the traditional tests of strength and agility, including stone and hammer throwing, tossing the caber and running and jumping events.

The Jersey Caledonian Pipe Band, who are sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, last played in Jersey on 1 September at Howard Davis Park, accompanied by the Mary Walledge Dancers.