Glasgow retains World Pipe Band Championship until 2015

More than 200 bands from around the world compete at the event

Glasgow is to host the World Pipe Band Championships until 2015.

The city has been associated with the event for more than 60 years and was already confirmed as the host for the 2012 championships.

Now the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) has confirmed that Glasgow will also stage "the Worlds" in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The city submitted its bid in October and saw off strong competition from Belfast to secure the event.

The winning bid was put together by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Event Scotland.

'Piping epicentre'

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "I am delighted the RSPBA is continuing to place their trust in us to produce this world class event.

"The development of the bid to secure this three-year commitment shows that Glasgow has the capacity, capability and creativity to win and retain major events.

"Every year we know the bands look forward to their trips to Glasgow and we look forward to hosting them as the city becomes the epicentre of world piping."

Some 230 bands from 12 countries around the world entered the 2011 competition, which was held at Glasgow Green.

The event was won by Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

More than 30,000 people attended the championships, watching more than 8,000 pipers and drummers compete.

It is estimated that each year, "the Worlds" generates more than £10m for the Scottish economy.

George Ussher, President of the RSPBA, said: "The partnership we enjoy with Glasgow is incredibly strong and we are continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in producing such a world-class event.

"The Worlds are the peak of Pipe Band competition and every year we look for an event which reflects that.

"The bands get such a warm welcome and genuinely look forward to competing at Glasgow Green - and the hospitality of a city which embraces piping."