In pictures: The World Pipe Band Championships 2025

A close-up of a boy who is blowing his cheeks out as he plays on bagpipes. His eyes are half closed. Image source, Getty Images
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The Inveraray & District Pipe Band have been declared World Pipe Band champions for the second year in a row.

The band, from Argyll and Bute, won the World Pipe Band Championships after two days of competition in Glasgow.

It is the fourth time they have won as they also took the title in 2019 and 2017.

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland were runners-up and North Lanarkshire's Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band came third.

The Inveraray & District Pipe Band celebrating in front of a big World Pipe Band Championships banner saying Champions. They are all in their band uniform and some of them have their hands in the air Image source, SNS
Image caption,

The Inveraray & District Pipe Band have won the title for the second year in a row

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The World Pipe Band champions announced in Glasgow

A total of 15 countries were represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations including Australia, Oman to Zimbabwe.

Scotland entered the biggest national contingent with 122 bands. Northern Ireland had the second largest with 25 bands, and next was the USA with 14 bands.

More than 35,000 people attended this year's event.

A young boy in a stripey all-in-one and a piper's hat playing the bagpipes while kicking his leg behind him and looking at his leg.Image source, Getty Images
Pipe band in red kilts marching across a field with marquees and banners behind them

More than 1,500 under 18s competed in a dedicated youth competition.

The winners of that were: Juvenile - George Watson's College; Novice Juvenile A - West Lothian Schools; Novice Juvenile B - St John's College Harare of Zimbabwe.

Colin Mulhern, chief executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "This year's 'Worlds' proved to be a fiercely-fought contest and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions Inveraray & District Pipe Band deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running.

"Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent."

Close-up of a young person in round glasses playing the bagpipes. Image source, Getty Images
Pipe band celebrating. A man in the foreground holds a trophy and has his hand across his chest

Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie, said: "Glasgow is proud to host the global pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar, and of the city's long association with 'the Worlds.

"The championships are hugely valued by us as they shine an international spotlight on Glasgow as a fantastic and welcoming destination for events, attract visitors here from all over the world – boosting tourism and contributing greatly to the Scottish and city's economy."

Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: "The World Pipe Band Championships continue to be a spectacular celebration of Scotland's rich cultural heritage, attracting thousands of talented musicians and enthusiastic spectators from across the globe.

"This year's event once again showcased the incredible skill, passion, and camaraderie that define the piping community."

Highlights from the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Wednesday 20 August at 20:00.

Young drummers standing in line . One of them has a stern look on his face.Image source, Getty Images
A piper with a red face puffs his cheeks out as he playsImage source, Getty Images
A woman in colourful glasses marches with a pipe band. She is twirling tenor drum sticks in the airImage source, Getty Images
A young boy looking puzzled as he plays a snare drum Image source, Getty Images
pipers in silhouettee against a blue sky. The sun is shining and there are white clouds in the skyImage source, Getty Images