The competing Ayrshire schools have been confirmed for the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship (SSPBC).
The championships will take place at the William McIlvanney Campus, in Kilmarnock, on Sunday, March 12.
In total 121 schools from across the nation will take part.
But all eyes will be on the Ayrshire region’s schools to see if they can pick up a ‘home win.’
Grange Academy, Kilmarnock Academy and Robert Burns Academy will represent East Ayrshire, while South Ayrshire’s hopes rest upon Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Girvan Academy, Kyle Academy and Queen Margaret Academy.
And 10 schools from North Ayrshire will be hoping to blow up a storm at the championships - with Ardrossan Academy, Arran High School, Brodick Primary School, Corrie Primary School, Kilmory Primary School, Lamlash Primary School, Largs Academy, Pirnmill Primary School, Shiskine Primary School and Whiting Bay Primary School all participating.
Entries are also now officially open for the competition’s coveted Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award – an award honouring the young Manchester Arena attack victim from Barra, who would have turned 18 this month.
The Championships was launched in 2013, as part of a nationwide drive by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to revive dwindling access to the instruments across schools – despite evidence of multiple positive benefits.
Alexandra Duncan, Chief Executive of SSPDT, said: “The Championships are a huge day in the piping calendar and after a long break due to the pandemic, we are sure it will be a very special return next month.
“Playing in pipe bands can improve so much more than just musical skills for young people and the Championships next month are a major celebration of that.
“As the big day gets closer, we can’t wait to welcome more than 120 schools to what is always an incredible, music-filled celebration.”
Featuring 81 performances across the day, the event will be hosted by East Ayrshire Council and see pipe bands, quartets and freestyle ensembles go head-to-head at the William McIlvanney Campus.
Expert judges will adjudicate eight categories, ranging from Debut to Novice Juvenile.
The Championship is independently organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT). It carries the support of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).
For more information on the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, visit http://www.thechampionships.org.uk/
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