Scotland lost its grade one global title to Canada at the “fiercely contested” World Pipe Band championships over the weekend.
The Simon Fraser University pipe band took the prestigious title from last year’s winners Inverary & District Pipe Band following the two-day event at Glasgow Green - the first time in 16 years that a band outside the UK has taken the prize.
The Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was runner-up, and coming third was the Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia band.
Delivered for The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), and taking place during the annual Piping Live! Festival, ‘the Worlds’ is always a much-anticipated highlight of the global piping scene.
Hugely popular with competitors, supporters and spectators alike, it attracts thousands of visitors to Glasgow annually to experience the events stirring sights, sounds and memorable atmosphere.
This year’s event saw 211 bands competing from 14 countries: Scotland, England,
Congratulating the winners from overseas, Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us throughout our 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.
“This year’s World Championships provided a truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition.”
He added: “Huge congratulations go to the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University, on securing the grade one global title.
“Every band that took part can be immensely proud of their performances.
“They delivered a fantastic competition and demonstrated the dedication, commitment, skill and talent that continue to make the world of pipe band competition so special.”
Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie said the event provided a “significant boost” to tourism in the city.
“The Worlds are such an important event for the city,” she said.
“Together with Piping Live! they create the biggest week of piping in the world, bringing the very best pipers and drummers together for a spectacular celebration of music and tradition, while shining an international spotlight on Glasgow as a welcoming destination for major events.
“The championships attract thousands of competitors, spectators and visitors to the city, providing a significant boost to tourism and making an important contribution to both the city and Scotland’s economy.”
The World Pipe Band Championships were first hosted by Glasgow in 1948 and has been staged in the city every year since since 1986.