A PIPE band featuring members from Inverclyde has played its way to the top of the world.

Lomond and Clyde triumphed in their category at the world pipe band and drum corps championships at Glasgow Green.
They saw off strong competition from America, Australia, South Africa, Canada and around the UK to be second band in the world and top drum corps.

And the number of points they have gained this season at various events has resulted in them being named overall World ‘Champion of Champions’ for the season for the first time.

There are six grades in world piping and Lomond and Clyde compete in grade two, but their incredible success could see them being promoted to the top flight.

For this season they have already lifted the band Scottish, British and UK titles, and the UK drumming crown.

It’s the most successful year the 40-strong band has had since being formed in 2000.

The Inverclyde members, pictured, are drummers Lauren Irvine and Alistair Joyce, and pipers Andy and Stephen Clark, who are brothers.

The pipe major and leading drummer are David Winton and Allan Craig of Glasgow.

David said: “It was slightly disappointing to be second band at Glasgow Green, but overall it was a great weekend and we’re really delighted with the season.

“Everyone works very hard and deserves their success.”

Lauren says there is a tremendous spirit in the band, who practise twice a week in Glasgow.

She said: “It was brilliant to win the world drumming title.

“We’ve worked very hard for it.”

Lauren said it costs about £25,000 a year to run a band of this size and calibre, and this is mostly self-funded by members.

She said: “We are a charity, and would welcome any local business support to help us compete next year.”

Anyone who would like to help should email pmlomondandclyde@gmail.com