Media invitation:Sunday 8 March 2020

Around 800 young musicians will pitch their musical skills against each other at they compete in the world’s largest schools piping and drumming competition this Sunday.

The 2020 Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships (SSPBC) will see youngsters from 152 schools around Scotland head to Kilmarnock for the event – including 72 pipe bands and freestyle ensembles.

Musicians will compete for titles in eight categories in the Championships, including an award in memory of Eilidh MacLeod, the young piper from Barra who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

The competition was established by Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to not only showcase the talent of young musicians, but to encourage the formation of school pipe bands and to reignite the nation’s passion for the instrument.

Depute First Minister, John Swinney MSP will be in attendance from 2:15pm.

Provost Jim Todd will be presenting the prizes from 4:30pm

Date:                    Sunday 8^th March 2020

Venue:                 The William McIlvanney campus, Kilmarnock KA3 7DF

Time:                    9.00am – 4.00pm

The scheduled performances are linked from www.thechampionships.org.uk

 There will be the opportunity for photography, interviews and filming of the musicians and organisers throughout the day. Holyrood PR and East Ayrshire Council will be in attendance to facilitate any media requests.