1 00:00:10,960 --> 00:00:12,960 (BAGPIPES PLAY) 2 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:15,880 NARRATOR: The highland bagpipes... 3 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:17,920 an iconic instrument. 4 00:00:18,760 --> 00:00:20,400 Its distinctive call 5 00:00:20,440 --> 00:00:23,320 has been used in warfare for hundreds of years. 6 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:30,680 But now modern pipe bands go to battle... 7 00:00:30,720 --> 00:00:32,520 in a different way. 8 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:39,400 In August, 9 00:00:39,440 --> 00:00:42,280 bands from across the globe gathered in Scotland 10 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:45,600 for three internationally renowned competitions... 11 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:47,440 Just keep it calm! 12 00:00:47,480 --> 00:00:51,400 ..Piping Live, The North Berwick Highland Games, 13 00:00:51,440 --> 00:00:54,840 and the ultimate clash of the piping clans... 14 00:00:54,880 --> 00:00:56,120 It's getting a bit real now. 15 00:00:56,160 --> 00:00:59,120 ..the World Pipe Band Championships. 16 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:01,520 Come on, (BEEP) sake guys. 17 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:04,440 Where civilian bands compete against each other... 18 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:06,200 There's a rivalry between a lot of bands. 19 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:08,520 ..blow by blow. 20 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:11,240 My one dying wish, I wish... 21 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:14,480 you all keep that tempo, just for once. 22 00:01:14,520 --> 00:01:16,039 For the ultimate honour... 23 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:18,280 Listen in! Concentrate! 24 00:01:18,320 --> 00:01:20,640 '..to be crowned...' Let's go! 25 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:23,320 ..the World Pipe Band Champions. 26 00:01:23,360 --> 00:01:24,760 (CROWD CHEERS, WHISTLES) 27 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:28,320 And this time, 28 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:31,080 as we reach the end of the season... 29 00:01:31,120 --> 00:01:34,080 Let's go finish it off now. Let's do it, guys. 30 00:01:34,120 --> 00:01:36,280 ..the pipers prepare for fireworks. 31 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:39,120 As the military... 32 00:01:39,160 --> 00:01:40,680 Let's keep the standards high. 33 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:43,759 ..and the marching bands charge their chanters 34 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:45,800 for the final time... 35 00:01:47,160 --> 00:01:49,240 Final tune area. 36 00:01:49,280 --> 00:01:52,240 ..in the ultimate battle of the bagpipes. 37 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:01,360 Alright. Quick... march. 38 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:03,440 (DRUM ROLLS) 39 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:06,760 It's just days before the biggest competition 40 00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:08,800 in the piping calendar - 41 00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:11,480 the World Pipe Band Championships. 42 00:02:12,520 --> 00:02:15,200 Pipe Major Stuart Liddell is putting the pipers 43 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:18,160 of grade one pipe band Inverary and District 44 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:20,160 through their paces in preparation 45 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:22,440 for the fiercest tournament of the year. 46 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:25,680 My entire life... 47 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:27,800 is taken up with piping. (CHUCKLES) 48 00:02:38,360 --> 00:02:40,680 Good. Right, semi-circle, please. 49 00:02:40,720 --> 00:02:43,680 I'm a reluctant Pipe Major. I'd say I would be... 50 00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:45,720 firm but fair. (CHUCKLES) 51 00:02:50,840 --> 00:02:54,000 That kind of stuff. You hear that A fluctuating? 52 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:56,800 that's because one or two people are not... 53 00:02:56,840 --> 00:02:58,840 confident with the instrument. 54 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:01,200 If you can't find yourself, I'll find you. 55 00:03:02,040 --> 00:03:04,080 And you don't want that. Right, come on. 56 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:07,040 I think the chemistry of a band is the most important thing. 57 00:03:09,920 --> 00:03:13,200 Rival grade one band, Field Marshal Montgomery, 58 00:03:13,240 --> 00:03:15,640 are recognised as one of the most successful 59 00:03:15,680 --> 00:03:17,360 pipe bands of all time. 60 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:19,960 Their Pipe Major, Richard Parkes, 61 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,560 has taken the band to victory at the World Pipe Band Championships 62 00:03:23,600 --> 00:03:26,880 a record breaking 13 times. 63 00:03:26,920 --> 00:03:30,600 I have standards which people need to achieve to play in the band. 64 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:43,480 The D tailed off at the end, guys. 65 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:45,120 Round here the D tailed off at the end. 66 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:48,640 It was good and then that just tailed at the end. Don't do that! 67 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:51,640 We need a solid D right to the end, OK? 68 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:54,960 I became Pipe Major in 1981. 69 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:58,560 With regard to pipe band music, I am very much a traditionalist. 70 00:03:58,600 --> 00:04:00,160 Listen guys, come on in a wee second. 71 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:03,600 It was looking really, really good and then it tailed at the end. 72 00:04:03,640 --> 00:04:06,720 The band have been so successful over the past number of years. 73 00:04:06,760 --> 00:04:08,840 There's always pressure there to perform. 74 00:04:09,640 --> 00:04:11,720 Richard definitely knows what he wants to achieve. 75 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:14,120 He really does have that focus. 76 00:04:14,160 --> 00:04:16,240 And it might seem that he's very strict, 77 00:04:16,279 --> 00:04:19,480 and that he's very demanding but during our down time, 78 00:04:19,519 --> 00:04:21,959 it's, uh... it's a lot more light-hearted. 79 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:25,040 On the outskirts of Edinburgh, 80 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:28,360 grade one underdogs Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate 81 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:31,160 are limbering up with Pipe Major Ross Harvey. 82 00:04:31,200 --> 00:04:33,400 Fire 'em up guys. (BAGPIPES SQUEAKING) 83 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:37,440 (IMITATES THE SOUND OF BAGPIPES STARTING) 84 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,280 There is a huge commitment to being a grade one pipe band. 85 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:47,600 It's just a wee bit slow 86 00:04:47,640 --> 00:04:49,720 when we first go into the jig, guys. 87 00:04:49,760 --> 00:04:53,240 'The band started 51 years ago.' 88 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:56,360 But the band has never won a world championships. 89 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:09,480 I like the way we're approaching the first beat. 90 00:05:09,520 --> 00:05:11,800 Just make sure, by the time we get to the second beat, 91 00:05:11,840 --> 00:05:13,560 we release it a bit more. 92 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:18,440 The band has recently promoted 19-year-old Kerr McQuillan 93 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:20,720 to the position of leading drummer. 94 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:23,120 Right, let's get the drums on, guys! 95 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:26,280 Kerr, he would be the youngest leading drummer 96 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:30,000 of a grade one band at the top level right now. 97 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:33,120 It's been great to have someone in that's young 98 00:05:33,159 --> 00:05:35,159 and excited about it all. 99 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:39,560 Let's go for... John MacFadyen set. 100 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,280 Quick march. 101 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:47,440 'You know, I'm a perfectionist,' 102 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:50,240 as much as the guys don't like it at times. 103 00:05:50,280 --> 00:05:53,720 I'm very much on everyone to squeeze the best out of them. 104 00:05:53,760 --> 00:05:56,120 Clock on the tempo, we're far too fast. 105 00:05:56,159 --> 00:05:58,640 Calm it down a little bit. You hear it in the wee runs. 106 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:01,920 We're far too fast. Try it again. 107 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:04,200 'I think this year's worlds is very open. 108 00:06:04,240 --> 00:06:06,280 'The belief inside the camp is strong. 109 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:08,480 'We're going in thinking that we can go and win it.' 110 00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:11,840 Drones only. 111 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:16,040 Ready? And... 112 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:20,360 Back over at Inverary and District, 113 00:06:20,400 --> 00:06:22,760 Californian recruit Connor Eckert 114 00:06:22,800 --> 00:06:25,240 has flown in to spend the summer with the band 115 00:06:25,280 --> 00:06:27,000 and join their attempt 116 00:06:27,040 --> 00:06:30,240 to take home the ultimate prize in piping. 117 00:06:30,280 --> 00:06:34,360 I'd say our biggest competition is Field Marshal Montgomery, 118 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:36,960 and Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate. 119 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:40,200 They're both tremendous bands and the winner could be either. 120 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:42,640 It could be any of us, it just depends on the day. 121 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:56,440 It's that time of year, you know what I mean? 122 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:59,680 That's the time of year when everything comes together. 123 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:01,320 If it doesn't... 124 00:07:03,080 --> 00:07:04,640 ..thanks for trying. 125 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,520 A lot of things could go wrong on the day. Just, like, some moisture problems, 126 00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:10,440 Sometimes even your chanter can, like, 127 00:07:10,480 --> 00:07:12,600 shoot out of your stock, which would be really bad. 128 00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:15,040 RICHARD: The world championships are the most important 129 00:07:15,080 --> 00:07:17,040 competition of the year. 130 00:07:17,080 --> 00:07:19,240 Things can go wrong with weather. 131 00:07:19,280 --> 00:07:21,800 The weather has a major impact on the sound of the pipes. 132 00:07:21,840 --> 00:07:23,880 The pipes are a reed instrument, 133 00:07:23,920 --> 00:07:27,120 and you've got a lot of moisture going through the pipes. 134 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:30,200 So you need stable weather conditions to get a stable sound. 135 00:07:31,440 --> 00:07:33,320 Quick... march! 136 00:07:35,200 --> 00:07:37,760 To win the world championships, it would be huge. 137 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:40,680 I mean, ultimately, that is the absolute pinnacle. 138 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:42,800 That's what you're working towards. 139 00:07:46,920 --> 00:07:48,280 Good. 140 00:07:49,159 --> 00:07:51,800 Another band sharpening their skills 141 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:55,080 are student hopefuls Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, 142 00:07:55,120 --> 00:07:57,640 who are rehearsing with Pipe Major Keith Bowes 143 00:07:57,680 --> 00:08:01,680 in the run up to competing in the novice juvenile B category 144 00:08:01,720 --> 00:08:04,800 at the World Pipe Band Championships. 145 00:08:04,840 --> 00:08:07,000 I was born and raised in Renfrewshire. 146 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:08,640 I went to a Renfrewshire school, 147 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:10,720 and I see the benefits of playing music. 148 00:08:10,760 --> 00:08:13,680 Any instrument, but in particular the bagpipes. 149 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:16,520 It's an opportunity for young people to learn and thrive 150 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:20,360 and achieve things they wouldn't have otherwise been able to do. 151 00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:22,040 Keith is very strict. 152 00:08:22,080 --> 00:08:24,040 He makes us work, 153 00:08:24,080 --> 00:08:27,920 and he's brutally honest about how we play. 154 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:29,920 Tone blowing again in the top hand, 155 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:32,480 and the high As in that last part really, really crucial. 156 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:35,080 You want the whole thing to sparkle towards the end. 157 00:08:35,120 --> 00:08:37,840 (SINGS THE TUNE) 158 00:08:37,880 --> 00:08:39,320 Sing it. (STUDENT SINGS) 159 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:40,799 (LAUGHS) 160 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:43,720 Right, last part. Let's hit it. 161 00:08:43,760 --> 00:08:45,680 Up and after two. 162 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:49,000 'I'm trying to instil in them that performance is key.' 163 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:52,320 I'm just trying to push them, trying to get the next level. 164 00:08:52,360 --> 00:08:54,280 We're the underdogs and we always have been, 165 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:56,320 as Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band. 166 00:08:56,360 --> 00:08:57,800 The bands that we compete against 167 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:00,040 are mainly private schools, fee paying schools. 168 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:02,560 We've always been the underdogs but it's... 169 00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:04,680 always nice because we're better than them. 170 00:09:05,560 --> 00:09:07,680 The music is really, really important to me, 171 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:10,760 and I can't stress enough that that is the goal - 172 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:12,560 to play good music. 173 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:15,240 And then whatever comes after that is... 174 00:09:15,280 --> 00:09:16,880 is an added bonus. 175 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:19,960 We can win the worlds but there's so much 176 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:22,440 that would have to fall into place at that moment 177 00:09:22,480 --> 00:09:24,320 and throughout that day. 178 00:09:24,360 --> 00:09:26,720 I'm honestly not thinking about that. 179 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:31,000 (CHUCKLES) 180 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:33,160 In just one day's time, 181 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:36,120 thousands of passionate pipers from all over the world 182 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:38,000 will descend on Glasgow Green 183 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:40,720 for the World Pipe Band Championships. 184 00:09:42,760 --> 00:09:44,800 Meanwhile, the military is also preparing 185 00:09:44,840 --> 00:09:46,800 for its own annual highlight - 186 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:49,280 the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 187 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:50,960 A huge spectacle, 188 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:54,440 seen by 220,000 spectators 189 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:56,600 over the month of August. 190 00:09:57,840 --> 00:10:01,360 The Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, 191 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:04,360 based in Edinburgh, is responsible for coordinating 192 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:06,840 the Massed Pipes and Drums for the show. 193 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:12,200 The Tattoo is iconic. 194 00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:14,640 People come to see the pipes and drums 195 00:10:14,680 --> 00:10:17,240 going across the drawbridge at the castle. 196 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:20,560 One of Major Gordon Rowan's duties 197 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:22,880 is to select the Lone Piper, 198 00:10:22,920 --> 00:10:26,280 arguably the most revered role within the Tattoo, 199 00:10:26,320 --> 00:10:28,120 with pipers across the military 200 00:10:28,160 --> 00:10:30,400 competing for the top spot. 201 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:32,480 To be the Lone Piper, it's really... 202 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:34,800 what every piper wants to do. 203 00:10:34,840 --> 00:10:38,320 If you're confident and you're not scared of heights then everything will go well. 204 00:10:47,160 --> 00:10:50,640 At the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, 205 00:10:50,680 --> 00:10:54,000 it's the job of Major Rowan and Captain Ross McCrindle 206 00:10:54,040 --> 00:10:57,080 to select the soldier who will step into the spotlight 207 00:10:57,120 --> 00:11:01,520 as the Lone Piper at this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 208 00:11:01,560 --> 00:11:04,080 It's a great privilege, first of all. 209 00:11:04,120 --> 00:11:06,440 I think you know you are... 210 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:09,600 the face of the British Army, 211 00:11:09,640 --> 00:11:12,520 and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 212 00:11:12,560 --> 00:11:15,200 And I think with that comes responsibility, 213 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:18,560 as an individual but also with the weight of the reputations 214 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:21,880 of those two organisations laying on your shoulders. 215 00:11:21,920 --> 00:11:25,160 I'm sure we'll see a few this morning that will be very nervous. 216 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:29,200 There are four pipers in the running, who will play their version 217 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:32,640 of the Lone Piper Melody, Guth a'Phiobaire, 218 00:11:32,680 --> 00:11:35,520 a tune specially commissioned for the occasion. 219 00:11:35,560 --> 00:11:37,960 This is not your first time being the Lone Piper. 220 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:41,080 No it's not, sir. I was lucky enough to get selected last year. 221 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:43,160 Playing in front of directors is never easy. 222 00:11:43,200 --> 00:11:46,520 I'm nervous, but I'm good to go, so hopefully I get selected. 223 00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:48,760 Once you're happy, let's hear the Lone Piper tune. 224 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:02,560 'They have to concentrate from the minute they're up there. 225 00:12:02,600 --> 00:12:05,400 'There's 9,000 eyes watching, 226 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:09,160 'and when that spotlight comes on, you want them all to succeed.' 227 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:19,720 It's a very prestigious role to hold, 228 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:22,440 and there's obviously a selection process to get it. 229 00:12:23,280 --> 00:12:25,400 And to be selected last year was just... 230 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:28,640 my first time was an honour and a privilege to be able to do so. 231 00:12:40,760 --> 00:12:42,000 Well done. Thank you. 232 00:12:42,800 --> 00:12:44,760 I've always wanted to do the Lone Piper. 233 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:47,440 'I'm imagining it will be an amazing experience.' Sirs. 234 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:50,560 So you passed the Pipe Major course in April?Sir. 235 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:52,280 How do you feel about it? 236 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:54,600 Ah, a bit nervous, sir. I don't like heights. 237 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:57,000 You don't like heights? No, but... 238 00:12:57,040 --> 00:12:59,120 So we'll need to take that into consideration. 239 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:01,120 Nah, I'll be fine. I wouldn't worry about that. 240 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:02,920 Well, the floor's yours. Take your time. 241 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:09,240 I've played the pipes all over the world, 242 00:13:09,280 --> 00:13:12,320 on operational tours as well, in Afghanistan and Iraq. 243 00:13:12,360 --> 00:13:15,160 When I joined the army, I first enquired about the pipe band. 244 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:17,400 I liked the sound of them when I was younger, 245 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:20,320 and I've just kind of always liked the sound of the bagpipes. 246 00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:37,360 How do you think he'll cope with heights? 247 00:13:37,400 --> 00:13:40,520 Operational soldier. I'm sure he'll rise to the challenge. 248 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:43,480 Being the Lone Piper is just the pinnacle... 249 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:46,600 of being a piper within the army. The floor's yours. 250 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:54,520 I picked up piping when I was a cadet back down in Liverpool. 251 00:13:54,560 --> 00:13:56,480 I've been playing pipes for 20 years now. 252 00:13:56,520 --> 00:13:58,400 Most recently taken part 253 00:13:58,440 --> 00:14:01,000 in the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen, 254 00:14:01,040 --> 00:14:04,840 and also the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 255 00:14:13,160 --> 00:14:15,640 Good. A bit sharp in the high A. 256 00:14:15,680 --> 00:14:17,640 Overall? Yeah. 257 00:14:17,680 --> 00:14:19,360 Contender. OK. 258 00:14:20,320 --> 00:14:21,880 Good morning, Senior Pipe Major. 259 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:24,240 The floor's yours, take your time. Thank you. 260 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:32,080 COLIN: I think playing at the Tattoo... 261 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:35,280 is probably the scariest part. All eyes are on you 262 00:14:35,320 --> 00:14:37,800 for that moment that you're stood at the top of the castle. 263 00:14:37,840 --> 00:14:40,000 Hopefully I get the opportunity to be there this year. 264 00:14:58,520 --> 00:15:00,720 OK, thank you. Thank you. 265 00:15:03,160 --> 00:15:06,080 So, the challenges of selecting... Yeah. 266 00:15:06,120 --> 00:15:09,440 ..the individual for the TV recordings.Mm-hm. 267 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:13,200 I think we've got a straight, easy decision. 268 00:15:14,040 --> 00:15:16,880 You all had good runs this morning, but myself 269 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:19,440 and the 2IC have made the decision. 270 00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:22,600 For this year's Lone Piper, we've selected... 271 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:26,600 ..WO1 Colin Simpson to be the Lone Piper 272 00:15:26,640 --> 00:15:28,920 for the TV broadcasts. Well done. 273 00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:31,800 Thank you very much. 274 00:15:31,840 --> 00:15:34,360 I'm very pleased with how the audition went today, 275 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:37,680 and I'm delighted to have been selected to be this year's Lone Piper. 276 00:15:37,720 --> 00:15:39,760 With it being broadcast all over the world, 277 00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:41,880 it just puts that added pressure on you to... 278 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:44,680 to make sure that you can nail the tune on the night. 279 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:49,560 NARRATOR: Over the month of August, top military and civilian pipe bands 280 00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:53,640 from all over the world gather to perform every evening 281 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:56,000 on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle 282 00:15:56,040 --> 00:15:58,440 for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 283 00:15:58,480 --> 00:16:02,360 a dazzling mix of music, dance and military ceremony 284 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:06,720 that has been thrilling nightly audiences since 1950. 285 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:12,040 Growing from a modest event to today's global spectacle, 286 00:16:12,080 --> 00:16:16,040 it's broadcast to an estimated 100 million people worldwide. 287 00:16:18,360 --> 00:16:20,880 The annual climactic highlight is introduced 288 00:16:20,920 --> 00:16:24,400 by the iconic sight of the Massed Pipes and Drums 289 00:16:24,440 --> 00:16:27,000 marching through the gatehouse of the castle, 290 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:30,800 and culminates in a performance by the Lone Piper. 291 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:34,920 At the top of Edinburgh Castle, 292 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:37,520 the leading civilian and military massed bands 293 00:16:37,560 --> 00:16:39,920 are gathering for their final rehearsal, 294 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:44,320 affectionately known to the pipers as the 'big blow.' 295 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:50,800 NORMAN: So this is the mass tune up. All the bands just come together, 296 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:53,960 and just constantly improving the show night in and night out. 297 00:16:54,000 --> 00:16:57,600 OK, just before we start, make sure your collars are done up. 298 00:16:57,640 --> 00:17:00,400 Regimental, it was your choice to keep the headdress off. 299 00:17:00,440 --> 00:17:03,360 Pipe Majors, no pressure, you make that call. 300 00:17:03,400 --> 00:17:06,200 There's 17 nations covered in my band 301 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:08,960 and so for a lot of them this is their very first time. 302 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:12,440 And so the excitement is massive within the team. 303 00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:15,520 Once we're in a straight line, then we can start to move up together. 304 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:17,400 OK? So we've gotta do it as a team. 305 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:20,440 ROBERT: This has always been my ambition, 306 00:17:20,480 --> 00:17:24,000 since the day I joined the army 22 years ago, 307 00:17:24,040 --> 00:17:26,440 to become the Senior Drum Major, 308 00:17:26,480 --> 00:17:28,680 Highland drumming for the British Army. 309 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:31,320 And the time is here for me to march out the drawbridge 310 00:17:31,360 --> 00:17:35,240 with 229 pipers and drummers behind me. 311 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:37,440 It's an incredible feeling. 312 00:17:37,480 --> 00:17:39,440 PENI: You don't wanna do a mistake out there. 313 00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:42,320 Thousands of people will be watching you and you just don't wanna... 314 00:17:42,360 --> 00:17:44,000 do silly mistakes out there. 315 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:46,080 GORDON: I get nervous for the performers. 316 00:17:46,120 --> 00:17:48,320 One lapse in concentration, 317 00:17:48,360 --> 00:17:50,480 somebody could be maybe out of step, 318 00:17:50,520 --> 00:17:52,760 the dressing could be out. 319 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:55,320 And you want them to do very, very well, 320 00:17:55,360 --> 00:17:58,040 not just for themselves but for the Army School 321 00:17:58,080 --> 00:18:01,480 and for all these 9,000 that are here to watch us this evening. 322 00:18:01,520 --> 00:18:03,720 OK, ladies and gentlemen, 323 00:18:03,760 --> 00:18:06,240 let's keep the standards high. 324 00:18:06,280 --> 00:18:09,720 Remember you're not just representing your own pipes and drums, 325 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,000 you're representing the Massed Pipes and Drums. 326 00:18:12,040 --> 00:18:14,840 Remain sharp throughout, no early chanters. 327 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:17,040 When you strike that bagpipe, 328 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:19,560 no early notes coming in, please. 329 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:22,240 The standard's good. 330 00:18:22,280 --> 00:18:25,520 We must keep that standard where we are now and polish it. 331 00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:29,000 So let's have a good one. 332 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:31,240 Please settle down. 333 00:18:33,640 --> 00:18:35,640 (DRUMS ROLL) 334 00:18:51,480 --> 00:18:53,480 (INSTRUMENTS STOP) 335 00:18:54,920 --> 00:18:58,840 Let's pick that up again, please! You heard it yourselves, OK? 336 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:40,840 Good! Let's have a good one, folks. 337 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:44,640 Under your own Pipe Majors and Drum Majors carry on. Thank you. 338 00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:47,440 NARRATOR: As the drones die down for the massed bands, 339 00:19:47,480 --> 00:19:49,320 Senior Pipe Major Colin Simpson 340 00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:52,120 makes the solo climb to the summit of the castle, 341 00:19:52,160 --> 00:19:55,160 where he will perform as the Lone Piper. 342 00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:57,240 COLIN: For me, it's important to get up 343 00:19:57,280 --> 00:20:00,400 and have a look at the platform where we're gonna be strapped in 344 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:02,720 and actually performing the Lone Piper piece. 345 00:20:02,760 --> 00:20:04,400 When you get up to this kind of stage, 346 00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:06,280 once you're away from the rest 347 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,480 of the Massed Pipes and Drums, up here on your own. 348 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:10,760 You know, you're getting the final tune of the pipes, 349 00:20:10,800 --> 00:20:12,640 that's when the nerves start kicking in. 350 00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:14,600 You come up here in the evening and, you know, 351 00:20:14,640 --> 00:20:17,560 the castle's completely empty and you're just there yourself. 352 00:20:17,600 --> 00:20:20,760 You've got the tune running through your head, what you're ready to play. 353 00:20:20,800 --> 00:20:24,000 You can hear the rest of the Tattoo, performing down on the esplanade below you. 354 00:20:24,040 --> 00:20:25,840 It just gives you that time to kind of... 355 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:28,400 focus and prepare for what you're about to do. 356 00:20:28,440 --> 00:20:30,120 (CROWD CHEERING) 357 00:20:41,120 --> 00:20:43,840 (CANONS BLAST) (CROWD CHEERING) 358 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:46,040 As canons herald the start 359 00:20:46,080 --> 00:20:48,640 of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 360 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:51,120 nerves are racing for Major Gordon Rowan 361 00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:55,040 as he waits for the massed bands to enter the castle's esplanade 362 00:20:55,080 --> 00:20:57,080 through the drawbridge. 363 00:20:58,800 --> 00:21:00,800 (DRUMS, PIPES PLAYING) 364 00:21:09,360 --> 00:21:11,680 Pipes and drums are coming. They'll go to the first block. 365 00:21:11,720 --> 00:21:13,880 Once they're in position then the second block 366 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:15,680 of the pipes and drums will come across, 367 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:17,720 so everything's going well so far. 368 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:52,880 Now the drummers have broken away from the main pipes and drums, 369 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:55,320 they will go up to the top and they will form 370 00:21:55,360 --> 00:21:57,360 the main head of the thistle. 371 00:21:57,400 --> 00:22:00,400 The side drums will then come down and they will form a circle 372 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:02,400 around the bass drummer. 373 00:22:02,440 --> 00:22:04,720 And then the remainder of the pipers 374 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:07,720 will then form the stems of the thistle 375 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:10,040 with a big, big outer circle. 376 00:22:10,080 --> 00:22:12,120 And then the other pipes and drums form 377 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:15,480 the stems facing towards the royal gallery. 378 00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:21,880 (CROWD CHEERING) 379 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:37,200 (CROWD CHEERING, CLAPPING) 380 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:46,680 The crowd's reaction was fantastic. 381 00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:49,160 You could hear the roar as soon as the pipes struck up. 382 00:22:49,200 --> 00:22:51,560 A good start for the first night. Getting everybody out 383 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:55,000 onto the esplanade in front of 9,000 people, it's a bit daunting. 384 00:22:55,040 --> 00:22:57,480 They're trying to find their marks, where they're going, 385 00:22:57,520 --> 00:22:59,280 trying to think about the music. 386 00:22:59,320 --> 00:23:02,480 There's still bits we can improve on but that'll come through the month. 387 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:06,000 Better and better every night and that's what we strive for. 388 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:08,040 (DRUMS, PIPES PLAYING) 389 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:40,240 They've done very well. 390 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:42,800 They've all come on to the arena now. 391 00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:47,880 From The Tiree Bridal Song, it brings me back to my days 392 00:23:47,920 --> 00:23:50,800 when I was learning to play the bagpipes as a young boy. 393 00:23:50,840 --> 00:23:53,040 And now they're playing The High Drive. 394 00:23:59,520 --> 00:24:01,560 (CROWD CHEERING) I always feel proud 395 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:04,000 of what the pipers and drummers deliver. 396 00:24:05,320 --> 00:24:08,160 I've been on that esplanade for a great number of years, 397 00:24:08,200 --> 00:24:10,200 when I was a young piper within the ranks 398 00:24:10,240 --> 00:24:12,200 all the way to being the unit Pipe Major, 399 00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:13,920 And, as well, being a Senior Pipe Major, 400 00:24:13,960 --> 00:24:16,480 being up on that rampart doing the Lone Piper. 401 00:24:17,360 --> 00:24:18,840 You're preparing yourself, 402 00:24:18,880 --> 00:24:20,800 you're continuously checking your instrument 403 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:24,120 before you go up onto the platform. You know you know the tune. 404 00:24:24,160 --> 00:24:26,200 And then when you strike in for the first time, 405 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:28,440 you get that sigh of relief, 406 00:24:28,480 --> 00:24:31,640 and you know it's getting beamed around the world so it has to be good. 407 00:24:31,680 --> 00:24:33,680 (BAGPIPES PLAY) 408 00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:27,240 (CROWD CHEERING, CLAPPING) 409 00:25:29,160 --> 00:25:31,280 (DRUMS ROLL) 410 00:25:31,320 --> 00:25:33,600 (BAGPIPES PLAY) 411 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:52,720 NARRATOR: With fireworks lighting up the Edinburgh sky, 412 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:54,760 the pipers head back to their barracks 413 00:25:54,800 --> 00:25:56,880 to rest and conserve their energy 414 00:25:56,920 --> 00:25:59,960 for their month-long residency at the castle. 415 00:26:02,160 --> 00:26:05,600 Back in Glasgow, the World Pipe Band Championships 416 00:26:05,640 --> 00:26:07,840 is reaching its peak. 417 00:26:07,880 --> 00:26:12,000 The annual highlight is a gruelling two-day event, 418 00:26:12,040 --> 00:26:15,080 where top-tier bands compete across four separate, 419 00:26:15,120 --> 00:26:17,120 equally weighted performances 420 00:26:17,160 --> 00:26:20,160 for the title 'World Pipe Band Champions.' 421 00:26:22,040 --> 00:26:24,160 The grade one bands arrive 422 00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:26,120 for the second day of the competition 423 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:28,080 for final practice and tuning, 424 00:26:28,120 --> 00:26:30,120 before stepping into the arena 425 00:26:30,160 --> 00:26:32,360 to perform in front of the adjudicators... 426 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:36,480 ..where they will be marked on musicality, tone, 427 00:26:36,520 --> 00:26:38,440 rhythm and timing. 428 00:26:38,480 --> 00:26:41,240 STUART: The worlds is the main goal. 429 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:45,480 You're putting yourself against the very best from the world. 430 00:26:45,520 --> 00:26:48,640 ROSS: It's the pinnacle of the season and everything you've been doing... 431 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:50,640 is geared up towards it. 432 00:26:50,680 --> 00:26:52,560 Last year, Richard Parkes 433 00:26:52,600 --> 00:26:55,360 steered Field Marshal Montgomery to victory, 434 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:58,560 taking home the trophy for the 13th time. 435 00:26:59,640 --> 00:27:02,120 RICHARD: Once you win the worlds, you don't want to lose it. 436 00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:04,680 It started off really good and then you slowed down a wee bit, 437 00:27:04,720 --> 00:27:06,480 so keep it pushing on, alright? 438 00:27:06,520 --> 00:27:10,160 Guys, just give us a wee 6/8 just to get them going. 439 00:27:10,200 --> 00:27:12,560 The band's just in a really exciting place. 440 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:14,840 It's working great with Kerr. We've got someone young 441 00:27:14,880 --> 00:27:16,880 and full of energy that's coming in, 442 00:27:16,920 --> 00:27:19,520 and everyone's bought into his vision. 443 00:27:20,920 --> 00:27:22,840 Now it's all about setting up the drums properly 444 00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:24,600 and making sure everyone's in unison, 445 00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:27,680 making sure everyone's calm and been fed and watered and stuff like that. 446 00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:29,480 We have a bit of a problem, 447 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:31,600 and we could really do with your help. 448 00:27:31,640 --> 00:27:35,800 Our bus has arrived but the bass drummer's sticks aren't there. 449 00:27:35,840 --> 00:27:38,440 OK. Legend. Thank you very much. Bye. 450 00:27:38,480 --> 00:27:40,080 Blair? 451 00:27:40,120 --> 00:27:42,800 Blair? Be here in ten minutes. 452 00:27:42,840 --> 00:27:44,840 Ten minutes. 453 00:27:45,880 --> 00:27:49,000 Our bass drummer player, Blair, left his sticks in his car. 454 00:27:49,040 --> 00:27:52,200 So we've had to get a couple of people to bring some sticks down. 455 00:27:52,240 --> 00:27:55,760 And it's all sorted now, so no problems. No problems at all. 456 00:27:55,800 --> 00:27:57,920 KERR'S DAD: The effort and commitment 457 00:27:57,960 --> 00:28:00,240 from Kerr and the team has just been phenomenal. 458 00:28:00,280 --> 00:28:02,480 The natural thing you do as a former member, 459 00:28:02,520 --> 00:28:05,320 you're always willing the positivity and the energy. 460 00:28:05,360 --> 00:28:07,360 Alright, big man. 461 00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:11,920 There's an element of me as his dad. 462 00:28:11,960 --> 00:28:14,400 But there's also an element of me as the former member, 463 00:28:14,440 --> 00:28:16,240 so you always have the discerning ear. 464 00:28:16,280 --> 00:28:18,760 Stroke, brush, brush, like... 465 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,680 Christina. No, no, cos you're still leaning in. 466 00:28:22,720 --> 00:28:25,160 As much of the shoulder blade as you can give me. 467 00:28:25,200 --> 00:28:27,640 Brilliant, listen to that. 468 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:29,720 So hold the stroke. 469 00:28:29,760 --> 00:28:31,440 Lovely Blair, well done. 470 00:28:31,480 --> 00:28:33,760 I'm really super excited for them. 471 00:28:33,800 --> 00:28:36,440 He's young in years but mature in the head. 472 00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:38,360 When he was 16 he sat me down, 473 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:40,200 and he said something that... 474 00:28:40,240 --> 00:28:43,160 put a lump in my throat and shed some water in my eyes to say, 475 00:28:43,200 --> 00:28:45,800 "Dad, I want to be the leading drummer of Boghall 476 00:28:45,840 --> 00:28:48,080 "to help return this band to greatness." 477 00:28:48,120 --> 00:28:50,320 And that, for me, was profound. 478 00:28:50,360 --> 00:28:52,160 This is a special day, this is when... 479 00:28:52,200 --> 00:28:53,880 all my dreams have came true, ultimately, 480 00:28:53,920 --> 00:28:56,200 of leading the band in grade one. 481 00:28:56,240 --> 00:28:57,840 So it's huge, yeah. 482 00:29:02,200 --> 00:29:04,240 Field Marshal Montgomery 483 00:29:04,280 --> 00:29:06,680 arrive at their competition base, 484 00:29:06,720 --> 00:29:08,720 a superior venue on the edge of the park 485 00:29:08,760 --> 00:29:10,440 that provides shelter 486 00:29:10,480 --> 00:29:13,400 from the unforgiving Scottish elements. 487 00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:17,280 A potential advantage for the reigning world champions. 488 00:29:17,320 --> 00:29:19,320 I never remember it being easy at the worlds. 489 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:21,440 It will always be difficult, the bands are all good. 490 00:29:21,480 --> 00:29:24,680 I'll be nervous for all the performances so that's just a natural feeling. 491 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:32,560 Hold on, what is happening there? 492 00:29:33,200 --> 00:29:36,960 (SINGS THE TUNE) It's like you're playing something different there. 493 00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:38,920 Come on, (BEEP) sake guys. 494 00:29:38,960 --> 00:29:40,600 (PLAYS PIPE) 495 00:29:40,640 --> 00:29:42,640 Look. 496 00:29:44,400 --> 00:29:47,760 There's definitely a huge sense of pride to represent Field Marshal. 497 00:29:47,800 --> 00:29:51,000 It's been a dream of mine from whenever I was a boy. 498 00:29:51,040 --> 00:29:52,840 It's definitely something that's... 499 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:55,560 really exceeded all my expectations. 500 00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:59,320 Last year's runners up, Inverary and District Pipe Band, 501 00:29:59,360 --> 00:30:02,280 unload and set up camp on the green. 502 00:30:02,320 --> 00:30:04,360 Stuart Liddell, their Pipe Major, 503 00:30:04,400 --> 00:30:08,480 is quietly confident in his approach to this year's competition. 504 00:30:08,520 --> 00:30:10,600 The weather being the weather, it's gonna produce 505 00:30:10,640 --> 00:30:13,440 a lot of really good sounds from a lot of the bands. 506 00:30:13,480 --> 00:30:15,480 I had a little solo event last night. 507 00:30:15,520 --> 00:30:18,320 It was a bit of a freestyle, got back in the door about 11:30. 508 00:30:19,320 --> 00:30:21,680 Straight to bed. Maybe a wee dram. 509 00:30:21,720 --> 00:30:23,160 Our chances... 510 00:30:25,200 --> 00:30:27,440 ..we're in amongst it, let's put it that way. 511 00:30:27,480 --> 00:30:30,000 You've gotta deliver this first performance. 512 00:30:30,040 --> 00:30:32,760 Yes, I like the relaxed walk-in-the-park attitude, 513 00:30:32,800 --> 00:30:35,400 but there still needs to be focus at the same time. 514 00:30:35,440 --> 00:30:38,200 Right, so... good luck today. 515 00:30:38,240 --> 00:30:40,160 I'll see you on the field. 516 00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:45,320 Whilst the grade one bands continue 517 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:47,520 to battle it out in the main arena, 518 00:30:47,560 --> 00:30:51,600 Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band is receiving last minute orders 519 00:30:51,640 --> 00:30:53,760 as they prepare to perform in their first 520 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:55,840 World Pipe Band Championships 521 00:30:55,880 --> 00:30:58,480 in the novice juvenile B category. 522 00:30:59,840 --> 00:31:02,040 All the young people have got up nice and early, 523 00:31:02,080 --> 00:31:05,000 and they've all turned up on time and we've not had any disasters yet. 524 00:31:05,040 --> 00:31:07,760 So good start to the day and long may it continue. 525 00:31:08,680 --> 00:31:12,080 WILLIE: We started about 5 o'clock this morning and it'll be... 526 00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:16,080 probably be 7:00 or 7:30 before we march off here tonight. 527 00:31:16,120 --> 00:31:18,120 So it's a fair... 528 00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:20,840 ..it's a fairly long battle. (CHUCKLES) 529 00:31:20,880 --> 00:31:22,840 I'm trying to get through to the young people 530 00:31:22,880 --> 00:31:24,680 that the performance comes first, 531 00:31:24,720 --> 00:31:27,480 and then you can worry about what happens after that. 532 00:31:27,520 --> 00:31:31,080 And anything, genuinely anything, is possible with the young people. 533 00:31:31,120 --> 00:31:33,920 The performance is the crucial part. 534 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:36,320 The band means a lot to me. I've dedicated a huge chunk 535 00:31:36,360 --> 00:31:39,280 of my life towards this and I don't want to be the one that messes up. 536 00:31:39,320 --> 00:31:41,920 Cos this is a team sport and I do not want to let the team down. 537 00:31:41,960 --> 00:31:44,080 I think sometimes the squeal happens 538 00:31:44,120 --> 00:31:47,240 when you're just a wee bit uptight, instead of just reminding yourself 539 00:31:47,280 --> 00:31:49,920 just to kind of relax your shoulders, 540 00:31:49,960 --> 00:31:52,920 and think that you've been through this a million times, OK? 541 00:31:52,960 --> 00:31:55,480 So it's really important that you get back 542 00:31:55,520 --> 00:31:58,080 to the bus and let your pipes breathe. 543 00:31:58,120 --> 00:32:00,640 You must pull the bag cover back, 544 00:32:00,680 --> 00:32:03,560 stock your chanters, empty your water traps just now 545 00:32:03,600 --> 00:32:06,360 if you all haven't already done so, and rest. 546 00:32:07,520 --> 00:32:10,360 Okey dokey. Right, well done. Let's get back to the bus. 547 00:32:19,360 --> 00:32:21,600 It's the final day of the championships, 548 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:23,720 and Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band 549 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:25,760 are preparing to compete. 550 00:32:25,800 --> 00:32:28,760 Ultimately, this is what we put all the hard work in for. 551 00:32:28,800 --> 00:32:30,840 There's always that reason to practice, 552 00:32:30,880 --> 00:32:32,880 always that reason to try and get a wee bit better. 553 00:32:32,920 --> 00:32:35,000 The worlds is the biggest event in the calendar. 554 00:32:35,040 --> 00:32:37,640 I'm nervous about competing. I always get really nervous. 555 00:32:37,680 --> 00:32:39,960 My knees shake, my legs shake. 556 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:41,840 Sometimes I feel sick. 557 00:32:41,880 --> 00:32:44,600 But you just kind of have to block that out and focus on playing. 558 00:32:44,640 --> 00:32:46,520 I'm terrified but excited. 559 00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:10,800 (CROWD CHEERS, CLAPS) 560 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:15,400 With their performance in the bag, 561 00:33:15,440 --> 00:33:18,920 on the other side of the park, the grade one bands are preparing 562 00:33:18,960 --> 00:33:22,160 for their penultimate performances. 563 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:25,240 The members of Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate 564 00:33:25,280 --> 00:33:28,720 will perform their march, strathspey and reel in the main arena. 565 00:33:28,760 --> 00:33:32,000 EMMA: I think the worlds has that tendency to get everybody a bit too excited. 566 00:33:32,040 --> 00:33:34,240 I think we need to work on... 567 00:33:34,280 --> 00:33:36,120 making sure we're just calm. 568 00:33:37,240 --> 00:33:39,560 Listen in, concentrate! 569 00:33:40,440 --> 00:33:42,720 Last part, one, two, three, four. 570 00:33:43,680 --> 00:33:45,840 I think we do have what it takes to win. 571 00:33:45,880 --> 00:33:47,640 We're in a very special place just now. 572 00:33:47,680 --> 00:33:49,880 The vibe in the band and the feeling in the band 573 00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:52,400 is something that I've never experienced before. 574 00:34:15,239 --> 00:34:17,239 (CROWD CHEERS, CLAPS) 575 00:34:18,440 --> 00:34:21,199 As Field Marshal Montgomery stride out onto the stage 576 00:34:21,239 --> 00:34:24,080 to perform their march, strathspey and reel, 577 00:34:24,120 --> 00:34:27,520 things take an unexpected turn for the current world champions. 578 00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:29,360 RICHARD: Quick march. 579 00:34:39,360 --> 00:34:41,280 We had a little problem with the introduction, 580 00:34:41,320 --> 00:34:43,800 where a piper's drone double-toned so we didn't get... 581 00:34:43,840 --> 00:34:45,880 a full E at the start of the performance, 582 00:34:45,920 --> 00:34:48,199 which is a bit disappointing but it happens. 583 00:34:56,040 --> 00:34:58,800 (CROWD CHEERS, CLAPS) 584 00:34:58,840 --> 00:35:01,320 As storm clouds gather over the competition, 585 00:35:01,360 --> 00:35:04,080 Inverary and District Pipe Band 586 00:35:04,120 --> 00:35:06,040 are also experiencing challenges. 587 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:10,280 The changeable weather has had unfortunate consequences 588 00:35:10,320 --> 00:35:12,080 for one of their key pipers. 589 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:17,560 My pipes got a little wet and I got cut. 590 00:35:17,600 --> 00:35:20,120 Right before we went on I was having trouble with my drone, 591 00:35:20,160 --> 00:35:21,800 so I went off and dried them. 592 00:35:21,840 --> 00:35:23,760 But then I had a chat with Stuart and just said, 593 00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:26,200 I think it would be best if I don't play this competition. 594 00:35:26,240 --> 00:35:28,440 So I cut myself for that, just for the band, 595 00:35:28,480 --> 00:35:30,440 just so I don't waste their time. 596 00:35:30,480 --> 00:35:32,960 It kind of sucks but it was a good experience, 597 00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:35,840 and I'll be back next year, better. 598 00:35:35,880 --> 00:35:38,600 The show must go on for Inverary and District, 599 00:35:38,640 --> 00:35:42,520 as they take to the green to perform their march, strathspey and reel. 600 00:35:53,600 --> 00:35:55,520 The weather conditions threw up a little... 601 00:35:55,560 --> 00:35:57,680 unexpected change in the chanter. 602 00:35:58,640 --> 00:36:01,680 With Connor, you know, it kind of came on us all of a sudden. 603 00:36:01,720 --> 00:36:04,360 He performed at some of the championships this year really well, 604 00:36:04,400 --> 00:36:06,760 he was beside me a lot of the time. 605 00:36:06,800 --> 00:36:09,400 And he did excellently, so it's... 606 00:36:09,440 --> 00:36:11,880 I dunno if it's just because of the worlds or what, 607 00:36:11,920 --> 00:36:14,440 but suddenly they were not working. 608 00:36:14,480 --> 00:36:16,720 The worlds has four performances as well. 609 00:36:16,760 --> 00:36:18,960 In the other championships, you just play once. 610 00:36:19,000 --> 00:36:22,480 So you can gear yourself up for one run, it's fairly easy. 611 00:36:22,520 --> 00:36:24,360 For this you have to have a set of pipes 612 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:27,160 that are gonna last for a lot of playing. 613 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:30,880 As the unpredictable weather continues, 614 00:36:30,920 --> 00:36:34,560 the grade one bands prepare for their last performances - 615 00:36:34,600 --> 00:36:37,600 their final chance to impress the adjudicators, 616 00:36:37,640 --> 00:36:40,440 this time with a medley that will showcase 617 00:36:40,480 --> 00:36:42,840 each band's unique style and sound. 618 00:36:43,640 --> 00:36:46,040 KERR: The weather is a bit of a factor in what we're doing. 619 00:36:46,080 --> 00:36:49,480 So we're just, right now, coming up with a plan to how we're gonna manage the weather. 620 00:36:49,520 --> 00:36:51,640 We're gonna keep under the trees as much as possible 621 00:36:51,680 --> 00:36:53,640 to preserve the tone of the drums. 622 00:36:53,680 --> 00:36:55,400 And then we'll move out, 623 00:36:55,440 --> 00:36:57,920 and we'll put drum covers on the drums to keep them dry. 624 00:36:58,920 --> 00:37:02,080 At the world championships, the focus is laser sharp. 625 00:37:02,120 --> 00:37:04,760 It's a case of getting the timing right in the build up. 626 00:37:04,800 --> 00:37:06,360 I feel we're in a very good position. 627 00:37:06,400 --> 00:37:08,160 We're gonna be in the mix somewhere. 628 00:37:08,200 --> 00:37:10,320 We just need to go on and keep doing what we're doing, 629 00:37:10,360 --> 00:37:12,640 hold that position and I'm sure we'll be OK. 630 00:37:12,680 --> 00:37:15,520 Very excited. Very, very excited. 631 00:37:15,560 --> 00:37:17,680 Can't wait to hear them in the competition arena. 632 00:37:17,720 --> 00:37:21,360 Drummers, come here! Drummers, drummers, drummers, drummers. 633 00:37:21,400 --> 00:37:23,280 The adrenaline's pumping, of course, 634 00:37:23,320 --> 00:37:25,400 especially when you're walking up to the line. 635 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:27,440 Alright, we've got it. It's going so well. 636 00:37:27,480 --> 00:37:30,720 Now let's go finish it off now. Let's do it, guys. 637 00:37:58,080 --> 00:38:00,080 (CROWD CHEERS) 638 00:38:04,640 --> 00:38:07,040 Over in Field Marshal Montgomery's camp, 639 00:38:07,080 --> 00:38:09,080 the unstable weather conditions 640 00:38:09,120 --> 00:38:11,400 are also playing havoc with their pipes, 641 00:38:11,440 --> 00:38:13,440 causing further concern. 642 00:38:15,240 --> 00:38:18,080 MATT: It's really bad over here. Is it?Aye. 643 00:38:18,120 --> 00:38:21,440 It's probably the sun shining on them.The high Gs are terrible. 644 00:38:22,680 --> 00:38:25,600 I've been doing this for a long time and I do read the weather a lot. 645 00:38:25,640 --> 00:38:27,280 I watch where the sun is, 646 00:38:27,320 --> 00:38:29,760 try to stay so the sun's gonna be out when we're tuning up. 647 00:38:29,800 --> 00:38:33,200 So it's something that I've learned through the years. 648 00:38:33,240 --> 00:38:36,480 Right, keep the chanters out the sun, keep the chanters out the sun. 649 00:38:36,520 --> 00:38:38,520 Keep chanters out the sun! 650 00:38:39,440 --> 00:38:42,440 A lot of it is luck, complete luck, as far as weather's concerned. 651 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:44,560 Final tune area. 652 00:38:59,040 --> 00:39:01,040 (CROWD CHEERS) 653 00:39:05,040 --> 00:39:07,120 As Inverary and District psyche themselves up 654 00:39:07,160 --> 00:39:09,160 for their final performance... 655 00:39:10,520 --> 00:39:13,120 ..Stuart Liddell is focussed on the task ahead. 656 00:39:14,760 --> 00:39:17,720 What am I looking for? Best performance of the year. 657 00:39:17,760 --> 00:39:19,400 I want to try and really go for it. 658 00:39:19,440 --> 00:39:22,240 In my opinion, you need to have a good start, a good stop, 659 00:39:22,280 --> 00:39:24,080 good unison playing, 660 00:39:24,120 --> 00:39:26,240 good tone and no mistakes. 661 00:39:26,280 --> 00:39:28,880 That's the five sort of boxes to tick. 662 00:39:28,920 --> 00:39:31,760 We're last on, which is also a good thing, I think. 663 00:39:54,520 --> 00:39:56,520 Of the four, I think that was the best one. 664 00:39:56,560 --> 00:39:59,520 You know, save the best for last. Really, really happy. 665 00:39:59,560 --> 00:40:02,120 To get everybody to come together to do all that, 666 00:40:02,160 --> 00:40:04,640 just the time and effort and sacrifices that people give 667 00:40:04,680 --> 00:40:06,720 to be in the band and to make the music. 668 00:40:10,880 --> 00:40:13,120 MATT: That was a tough afternoon but... 669 00:40:13,160 --> 00:40:14,960 really, really enjoyed that performance. 670 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:17,720 The adrenaline keeps you going. It's just great to... 671 00:40:17,760 --> 00:40:19,840 come off and finish on a high. 672 00:40:19,880 --> 00:40:21,680 Oof. Was that awesome? 673 00:40:21,720 --> 00:40:23,680 Yeah it was good, it was good. 674 00:40:23,720 --> 00:40:25,280 It's all in the hands of the judges now. 675 00:40:25,320 --> 00:40:28,000 We can't change anything now, it's all been done. 676 00:40:28,040 --> 00:40:31,800 Just go away and have a quiet drink now and relax. 677 00:40:31,840 --> 00:40:35,040 WOMAN: Richard, that was amazing. Thank you. 678 00:40:35,080 --> 00:40:38,160 I thought it was really strong. Ensemble-wise, it was good. 679 00:40:38,200 --> 00:40:40,040 Tone was nice start to finish. 680 00:40:40,080 --> 00:40:42,520 We've had four very strong runs, 681 00:40:42,560 --> 00:40:45,160 and, uh... we're pleased. 682 00:40:45,200 --> 00:40:47,200 We've worked so hard, do you know what I mean? 683 00:40:47,240 --> 00:40:49,080 I'm just so proud of us. I'm so, like... 684 00:40:49,120 --> 00:40:50,480 (CHUCKLES) 685 00:40:50,520 --> 00:40:54,440 I think we've done enough to be proud of ourselves. 686 00:40:54,480 --> 00:40:56,320 And I think we've done enough 687 00:40:56,360 --> 00:40:58,600 to do well... I think. 688 00:40:58,640 --> 00:41:01,080 KERR: We've done our job, four excellent runs. 689 00:41:01,120 --> 00:41:03,840 Now we just have to wait and see what the judges think. 690 00:41:03,880 --> 00:41:06,200 What I got from the winning band, 691 00:41:06,240 --> 00:41:08,240 in terms of my choice... 692 00:41:09,080 --> 00:41:12,880 ..was that I found them very exciting. 693 00:41:14,120 --> 00:41:17,520 They were very dynamic in the way they played their music. 694 00:41:17,560 --> 00:41:21,720 Their transitions from one idiom to the next was... 695 00:41:21,760 --> 00:41:25,000 it was just breathtakingly smooth at times. 696 00:41:25,040 --> 00:41:27,560 I really felt as if it was truly 697 00:41:27,600 --> 00:41:29,800 a musical journey they took me on. 698 00:41:29,840 --> 00:41:31,400 They led me there. 699 00:41:31,440 --> 00:41:34,000 And the standard of the technique today 700 00:41:34,040 --> 00:41:35,760 was, I thought, was just wonderful. 701 00:41:35,800 --> 00:41:38,200 I was really quite touched by it today. 702 00:41:38,240 --> 00:41:40,680 ANNOUNCER: The 2023... 703 00:41:40,720 --> 00:41:43,120 world champions are... 704 00:41:43,160 --> 00:41:45,080 For our grade one bands, 705 00:41:45,120 --> 00:41:48,240 the hard graft, long hours and dedication 706 00:41:48,280 --> 00:41:50,440 have all come down to this moment. 707 00:41:51,280 --> 00:41:54,640 Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate, Caledonia.(SCREAMING, CHEERING) 708 00:41:54,680 --> 00:41:58,640 After more than half a century of striving for the coveted prize, 709 00:41:58,680 --> 00:42:02,040 crowd favourites, Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate 710 00:42:02,080 --> 00:42:04,840 have won the ultimate battle of the bagpipes. 711 00:42:06,360 --> 00:42:09,720 Very disappointed, as you would expect, but I'm very happy for Boghall. 712 00:42:09,760 --> 00:42:12,080 It's great for them and their history that they managed 713 00:42:12,120 --> 00:42:14,200 to win the world championships for the first time. 714 00:42:14,240 --> 00:42:16,600 And I really congratulate Ross Harvey and the band. 715 00:42:16,640 --> 00:42:18,840 (CROWD CHEERING) 716 00:42:21,960 --> 00:42:25,200 There's a bit of disappointment, of course, aye. But there's also... 717 00:42:25,240 --> 00:42:27,720 if you look at little things that we could improve on, 718 00:42:27,760 --> 00:42:30,600 there's always quite a lot we can go back to and... 719 00:42:31,400 --> 00:42:33,160 ..you know, learn from, 720 00:42:33,200 --> 00:42:36,720 and come back hopefully stronger next year, so that's fine. 721 00:42:36,760 --> 00:42:39,800 But, yeah, it's raw at the moment, aye, no doubt about it. 722 00:42:46,600 --> 00:42:48,360 (CROWD CHEERING) 723 00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:53,200 We've just won the worlds and... 724 00:42:53,240 --> 00:42:56,280 honestly I can't describe it, it's the best day of my life. 725 00:42:56,320 --> 00:42:58,720 It's everything I wanted to do... 726 00:42:58,760 --> 00:43:01,000 in my life has just happened. 727 00:43:01,040 --> 00:43:04,240 And... honestly, I can't describe it, it's amazing. 728 00:43:14,080 --> 00:43:17,320 (CRIES) Um... I can't... 729 00:43:17,360 --> 00:43:19,720 (CHUCKLES) I can't put it into words. 730 00:43:19,760 --> 00:43:22,080 (CRIES) 731 00:43:26,120 --> 00:43:28,440 Tonight we will celebrate. 732 00:43:28,480 --> 00:43:31,280 And tomorrow, we will celebrate. 733 00:43:31,320 --> 00:43:34,080 And the next day we will probably celebrate some more. 734 00:43:34,120 --> 00:43:35,640 (LAUGHS) 735 00:43:36,560 --> 00:43:38,720 (ALL CHEERING) 736 00:43:45,960 --> 00:43:48,680 And history continued to be made 737 00:43:48,720 --> 00:43:51,320 in the novice juvenile B category. 738 00:43:51,360 --> 00:43:54,280 Our underdogs, Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, 739 00:43:54,320 --> 00:43:58,600 emerged victorious as world champions of their class - 740 00:43:58,640 --> 00:44:01,600 their first title at a major championship. 741 00:44:01,640 --> 00:44:03,760 (CROWD CHEERING) 742 00:44:04,640 --> 00:44:06,760 GIRL: I said, so are you! 743 00:44:06,800 --> 00:44:09,520 (PLAYERS CHATTER, LAUGH) 744 00:44:09,560 --> 00:44:11,600 We thought we'd maybe get second or third. 745 00:44:11,640 --> 00:44:14,440 We really didn't expect first, so when it was announced, 746 00:44:14,480 --> 00:44:17,240 I don't think I've ever screamed so much in my entire life. 747 00:44:17,280 --> 00:44:20,920 Years and years of effort gone into this tiny trophy. 748 00:44:22,400 --> 00:44:26,280 The well-deserved celebrations may continue into the night, 749 00:44:26,320 --> 00:44:30,200 but for our pipe bands, tomorrow brings a new dawn... 750 00:44:30,240 --> 00:44:33,000 when all the pipers start to ready themselves 751 00:44:33,040 --> 00:44:36,000 to clash chanters and settle scores... 752 00:44:36,880 --> 00:44:41,200 ..as they go once more into the battle of the bagpipes. 753 00:44:44,400 --> 00:44:46,520 (BAGPIPES PLAY "SCOTLAND THE BRAVE") 754 00:44:46,560 --> 00:44:49,840 Subtitles by Sky Access Services www.skyaccessibility.sky