PRESTON Lodge High School’s junior and senior pipe bands welcomed the return of competitive competition as they travelled to Edinburgh and Kilmarnock.

The bands first travelled to George Watson’s College in Edinburgh to take part in an invitational competition.

The two bands played well but were unable to finish in the prizes in the band competition, although Charlie Mack finished fifth in the under-14s solo piping event.

The bands then travelled to Kilmarnock to compete in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.

This was the first time the national championships had returned since before Covid-19 and the school was delighted to compete.

A spokesperson said: “The last time there was a championships was a week before we went into lockdown in 2020, so it was fantastic to once again be able to attend this event, which brought together school pipe bands from all over Scotland and featured over 80 individual band performances.

“Our bands competed in the Novice B grade, the Juvenile Grade and in the innovative Freestyle Competition.

“There were no prizes this time, despite strong performances and very favourable comments from the judging panels.”