Stirling piper's band are red hot

Aug 21 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING piper Chris Armstrong has led the ScottishPower Pipe Band to victory once again as they retained position as champions at last week’s International Quartet Competition in Glasgow.

The band stole the show at the contest, which is part of Piping Live!, Glasgow’s International Piping Festival, when they beat off stiff competition from five of the best groups in the world to win first place for the second year running, writes Donald Morton.

Chris, who has been the band’s pipe major for the last four four years, has had a great year as the band enjoyed great success at this summer’s Scottish, British and European Championships, strengthening their world class reputation.

He said: “We put everything into making sure we won the Quartet Competition again this year, so it’s a great feeling to know all our hard work has paid off.

“It’s a massive achievement and to hold the title for two years is incredible.”

Chris, a full time instructor at the National Piping Centre, continued: “We’ve been working hard as a team and musically have never sounded better. The standard at these competitions is so high so to be in with a chance of winning, you really have to be performing at your best.

“But there’s no time to rest, we’ll be practising for next year and gearing up for three in a row!”

The band’s schedule shows no signs of slowing and sees members join the Tartan Army to support Scotland, as they play Macedonia and Holland at Hampden Park, for a place in the 2010 World Cup.

Heather McDonald, Group Sponsorships Manager at ScottishPower, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the pipe band. They have proved they have what it takes to win these high profile competitions and that is due to the hard work, dedication and unrivalled talent of its members.”

Chris Armstrong is pictured (second right) with fellow quartet members Alasdair MacKenzie, Keith Bowes and Alasdair Henderson.