1 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:14,000 (BAGPIPES PLAY) 2 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:15,560 The highland bagpipes... 3 00:00:16,400 --> 00:00:17,840 ..an iconic instrument. 4 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:23,280 Its distinctive call has been used in warfare for hundreds of years. 5 00:00:27,560 --> 00:00:31,800 But now modern pipe bands go to battle in a different way. 6 00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:37,600 (FLOURISHES) 7 00:00:38,080 --> 00:00:39,400 In August, 8 00:00:39,440 --> 00:00:42,120 bands from across the globe gather in Scotland 9 00:00:42,160 --> 00:00:45,640 for three internationally renowned competitions. 10 00:00:45,680 --> 00:00:47,040 Just keep it calm! 11 00:00:47,920 --> 00:00:49,280 Piping Live, 12 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:51,440 the North Berwick Highland Games 13 00:00:51,480 --> 00:00:54,880 and the ultimate clash of the piping clans... 14 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:56,200 It's gettin' a bit real now! 15 00:00:56,240 --> 00:00:59,120 ..the World Pipe Band Championships... 16 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:00,520 Come on, (BLEEP) sake, guys! 17 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:04,480 ..where civilian bands compete against each other... 18 00:01:04,519 --> 00:01:06,440 There's a rivalry between a lot of bands. 19 00:01:06,480 --> 00:01:08,039 ..blow-by-blow... 20 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:10,120 My one dying wish, 21 00:01:10,160 --> 00:01:14,520 I wish you all keep that tempo just for once! 22 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:16,039 ..for the ultimate honour... 23 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:18,320 Listen in! Concentrate! 24 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:19,760 ..to be crowned... 25 00:01:19,800 --> 00:01:20,800 Let's go! 26 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:23,320 ..the World Pipe Band champions! 27 00:01:23,360 --> 00:01:25,200 (CHEERING) 28 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:28,360 Coming up, 29 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:32,440 the UK bagpipe competition season is in full swing! 30 00:01:32,479 --> 00:01:34,200 So many things that could go wrong! 31 00:01:35,520 --> 00:01:38,880 Pipe teams are gearing up for the World Championships, 32 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:43,039 including holders of the crown, Field Marshal Montgomery... 33 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:46,320 We've got a bit to go to get back to where we were last year 34 00:01:46,360 --> 00:01:49,080 but I think the potential's there to get there. 35 00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:52,039 ..Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate... 36 00:01:52,080 --> 00:01:55,759 If you chase a good performance, in the end the results'll come! 37 00:01:57,520 --> 00:01:58,960 ..Inverary and District. 38 00:02:00,040 --> 00:02:02,960 You have to be absolutely bulletproof with what you're doing. 39 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:05,840 And it's just days before the worlds 40 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:08,919 where two of our bands go head-to-head 41 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:10,840 in the North Berwick Highland Games. 42 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:14,960 The differences between performances, 43 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:17,440 you can hardly put a credit card between them! 44 00:02:18,360 --> 00:02:20,640 We meet a young, ambitious band... 45 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:23,480 Come on, you're startin' to get a wee bit tired way too early! 46 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:24,520 Let's go! 47 00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:26,400 ..also piping for a prize. 48 00:02:27,079 --> 00:02:29,280 That's probably the tempo I want out there! 49 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:32,840 We join the army's top pipers and drummers... 50 00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:34,440 Ah, yeah, centre! 51 00:02:34,480 --> 00:02:35,760 Quick march! 52 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:41,440 ..as they prepare for His Majesty King Charles III's coronation... 53 00:02:42,160 --> 00:02:45,079 OK, troops, close in! Close in! 54 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,160 ..in the Battle of the Bagpipes! 55 00:02:51,480 --> 00:02:56,320 The North Berwick Highland Games are the penultimate contest before the worlds 56 00:02:56,360 --> 00:03:00,000 and our grade one bands are in the thick of rehearsals. 57 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:11,480 This year's underdogs, Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate, 58 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:13,520 with Ross Harvey at the helm... 59 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:16,040 I'm not one to dilly-dally gettin' back into things, 60 00:03:16,079 --> 00:03:19,640 we've only got a few practices before we're really up and running, OK, 61 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:21,200 so give me a couple of marches in! 62 00:03:23,440 --> 00:03:26,360 ..and leading drummer, 19-year-old Kerr McQuillan... 63 00:03:27,320 --> 00:03:28,640 ..are pushing for a win. 64 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:32,280 It's finding the little 1%s 65 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:35,720 and the bits of detail that can give us the edge over our competitors. 66 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:39,640 Current world champions, 67 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:42,400 Richard Parks and Field Marshal Montgomery, 68 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:43,720 will not be attending, 69 00:03:43,760 --> 00:03:46,520 choosing to conserve their energy for the big one. 70 00:03:48,600 --> 00:03:53,240 When you win the World Championship you are viewed as the best pipe band in the world 71 00:03:53,280 --> 00:03:56,480 and I think you've proven that you're the best pipe band in the world. 72 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:01,400 Their absence could benefit one of this season's main challengers, 73 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:03,360 Inverary and District, 74 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:04,920 led by Stuart Liddell. 75 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:10,240 Slow is OK, slow is all right as long as it flows 76 00:04:10,280 --> 00:04:11,680 and it's together! 77 00:04:12,680 --> 00:04:16,160 For 17-year-old Connor Eckert from California, 78 00:04:16,200 --> 00:04:18,760 it will be his first games with this band 79 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:20,440 and the pressure is on. 80 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:23,240 The buildup to the competition, 81 00:04:23,280 --> 00:04:26,360 leading up to it is definitely the worst part of it, at least for me, 82 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:28,600 but when you're in the circle it's much easier. 83 00:04:28,640 --> 00:04:32,920 This week's contest will be a dress rehearsal for the worlds 84 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:35,040 and a chance to rattle their rivals! 85 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:41,240 And it's not just grade one bands taking part in the games... 86 00:04:44,440 --> 00:04:47,040 (PLEASANT TUNE) 87 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:50,280 On the outskirts of Glasgow, in the town of Johnstone... 88 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:54,280 ..Keith Bowes, 89 00:04:54,320 --> 00:04:57,920 the pipe major of the Renfrewshire Schools Band, 90 00:04:57,960 --> 00:05:00,600 is on his way to rehearse for the competition. 91 00:05:01,840 --> 00:05:05,040 We really do have an awesome group of young people at the moment. 92 00:05:05,080 --> 00:05:06,080 It's interesting, 93 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:09,480 because you have a lot of young people that take to it like a duck to water. 94 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:13,360 Coming from a family of pipers, 95 00:05:13,400 --> 00:05:15,800 Keith has been brought up playing in bands 96 00:05:15,840 --> 00:05:18,520 and competing is in his DNA. 97 00:05:19,800 --> 00:05:21,920 The championships, for me, are vital. 98 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:24,360 They push standards. 99 00:05:25,640 --> 00:05:28,480 You push yourself to be the best version of yourself. 100 00:05:30,200 --> 00:05:33,480 Keith's band is made up of 25 youngsters of all ages. 101 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:37,480 They compete in the Novice Juvenile B Category, 102 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:40,440 which means weekly rehearsals are key. 103 00:05:44,080 --> 00:05:45,840 Right, go into your positions, then. 104 00:05:48,720 --> 00:05:52,240 So, the plan for tonight is just like every other band practice, 105 00:05:52,280 --> 00:05:55,280 OK, but obviously catered towards this Saturday. 106 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:56,320 Try and relax, 107 00:05:56,360 --> 00:05:58,760 try and not worry about things going on around you. 108 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:14,240 It was free piping tuition at school 109 00:06:14,280 --> 00:06:18,000 that started most of these teenagers on their piping path. 110 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:23,520 There are a lot of schools in Scotland now with... 111 00:06:23,560 --> 00:06:26,600 With pipe bands, juvenile pipe bands, school pipe bands. 112 00:06:26,640 --> 00:06:29,840 And I think that grass roots level promotion of piping... 113 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:34,760 ..is such a kind of positive pathway for pipers and drummers. 114 00:06:34,800 --> 00:06:36,159 Quick march! 115 00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:40,760 The fact that there's a grading system 116 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:44,400 allows people to, you know, progress in their own playing 117 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:46,280 and, if they want to, 118 00:06:46,320 --> 00:06:49,520 start off in a novice juvenile band and work their way up to grand one. 119 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:51,480 There's a real progression route there. 120 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:53,080 One, two... 121 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:08,200 Stop, stop, stop, stop! 122 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:10,120 Guys, you just did all the... 123 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:11,800 All the opposite of what I asked! 124 00:07:11,840 --> 00:07:16,880 (VOCALISING) 125 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:18,720 Come on, you can do better than that! 126 00:07:23,320 --> 00:07:27,440 One of the big challenges with any pipe band is tuning. 127 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:29,160 With the pipes, 128 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:31,600 because of the physical elements of it 129 00:07:31,640 --> 00:07:32,720 and this... 130 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:35,120 This variation we can have in moisture 131 00:07:35,159 --> 00:07:37,040 in each different breath and reeds 132 00:07:37,080 --> 00:07:38,960 and everyone blows a bit differently, 133 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:42,200 you've got an instrument that's essentially constantly changing. 134 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:46,560 Electronic drone tuners have been a great invention 135 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:49,040 because someone can go around tuning the band 136 00:07:49,080 --> 00:07:51,760 and the drones are all the same. 137 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:13,560 Many of the band members have piping in their blood. 138 00:08:14,960 --> 00:08:19,160 Seventeen-year-old Maisie MacFarlane lives in Johnstone with her family 139 00:08:19,200 --> 00:08:21,880 and has been playing the pipes since she was a wee girl. 140 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,360 My dad always played when we were growing up, 141 00:08:26,400 --> 00:08:28,520 it was the background to my childhood! 142 00:08:29,120 --> 00:08:30,800 He was very inspirational. 143 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:32,480 I mean, when you see your dad do it 144 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:34,360 and when somebody plays the pipes 145 00:08:34,400 --> 00:08:36,679 you could see the joy the pipes brought everybody 146 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:39,159 and I wanted to bring that to everybody else! 147 00:08:41,760 --> 00:08:45,000 I got a practice chanter for my eighth birthday 148 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:48,080 and two months later I started learning 149 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:51,520 and then my dad started teaching me just the basics! 150 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:55,120 From the beginning, 151 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:58,680 Maisie's always had her eye on the century-old set of pipes 152 00:08:58,720 --> 00:09:01,200 that once belonged to her great-grandfather. 153 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:05,520 It's a big thing to me because, uh, you know, I have... 154 00:09:05,560 --> 00:09:09,080 My grandfather's pipes have come down to me through the years. 155 00:09:09,120 --> 00:09:10,760 Pipes need to be played 156 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:13,360 and I need to pass these on to someone 157 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:15,840 and, uh, none better than your own family 158 00:09:15,880 --> 00:09:17,440 to carry forward the tradition! 159 00:09:18,440 --> 00:09:19,680 Immensely proud, 160 00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:20,720 I hope it continues 161 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:22,960 and keep the culture and the art goin'. 162 00:09:26,280 --> 00:09:30,160 But it's the element of competition that this young piper thrives on! 163 00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:33,280 I'm very competitive! 164 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:36,680 Um, yeah, I think competition brings out the best in me! 165 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:39,520 Drives me to work hard for it! 166 00:09:40,480 --> 00:09:41,680 One, two... 167 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:51,160 So, I need the same amount of energy going to the low A as you do in the D! 168 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:52,200 (VOCALISING) 169 00:09:52,240 --> 00:09:54,960 That pitch... (CONTINUES) 170 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:57,360 Yes, you must get that pitch in your head! 171 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:00,280 I'm just trying to push them, trying to get the next level. 172 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:03,400 I'm quite driving at times with them, 173 00:10:03,440 --> 00:10:05,160 possibly too much at times, 174 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:06,520 but it is for their benefit. 175 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:16,200 Fifteen-year-old Aaron Hughes first picked up the pipes at school four years ago. 176 00:10:17,840 --> 00:10:20,640 It's just somethin' to enjoy, 177 00:10:20,680 --> 00:10:21,680 you always have 178 00:10:21,720 --> 00:10:23,240 and I love the sound of them, 179 00:10:23,280 --> 00:10:25,840 I'm always watchin' pipe music on YouTube. 180 00:10:29,960 --> 00:10:31,080 It's like a sport, 181 00:10:31,120 --> 00:10:34,440 competin' against other teams, keepin' fit for the season. 182 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:41,080 And the only negative about it is they are too loud 183 00:10:41,120 --> 00:10:42,720 and destroyin' my ears! 184 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:51,920 I'd like the same progression between now and this Saturday 185 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:55,680 and then every single band practice and competition all the way up to the worlds. 186 00:10:55,720 --> 00:11:01,080 You wouldn't want to miss out for the sake of a couple of minutes of stamina, OK? 187 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:02,920 And remember, it's about the... 188 00:11:02,960 --> 00:11:04,280 The team game here. 189 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:08,160 Band, out, quick march. 190 00:11:14,680 --> 00:11:19,000 The distinct sound bagpipes make is all down to their complex construction. 191 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:23,880 The instrument has pretty much stayed the same throughout the centuries, 192 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:27,080 however there's now a few high-tech twists... 193 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:35,120 Here in Kilmarnock, 194 00:11:35,160 --> 00:11:39,480 McCallum Bagpipes have been making pipes for the last 25 years... 195 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:44,200 ..producing 50 sets per week! 196 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,240 The demand is getting more and more for bagpipes, I think, 197 00:11:50,280 --> 00:11:54,360 and it surprises me how many pipes are played in places all over the world 198 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:56,480 that you wouldn't expect pipes to be played! 199 00:11:57,200 --> 00:12:01,160 Eighty percent of the pipes made here are exported around the globe, 200 00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:03,680 from California to the Middle East. 201 00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:07,960 The Sultan of Oman was educated in St Andrews 202 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:10,040 and he loved the sound of the pipes 203 00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:12,000 so when he went back and became the sultan 204 00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:15,320 he made all the regiments have pipe bands 205 00:12:15,360 --> 00:12:17,320 but they've got three mounted pipe bands, 206 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:19,080 two on camels, one on horses, 207 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:21,160 and their big problem, they said to us, 208 00:12:21,200 --> 00:12:22,200 was that they were... 209 00:12:22,240 --> 00:12:24,040 Literally, the way that a camel moves, 210 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:26,080 it was literally knocking their teeth out! 211 00:12:26,120 --> 00:12:29,640 We came up with a great idea of a very flexible blowpipe. 212 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:31,560 We call it the camel-friendly blowpipe 213 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:33,000 and we sent it to them 214 00:12:33,040 --> 00:12:35,040 and, of course, they absolutely adored it! 215 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,160 They just loved it, 216 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:38,560 especially the guys that were losing their teeth! 217 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:44,160 It's the company's use of high-tech computer numerical control machinery 218 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:46,480 that lures in piping fanatics. 219 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:49,720 It takes eight hours 220 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:55,760 to transform the 14 blocks of African blackwood required for one set of bagpipes. 221 00:12:57,440 --> 00:12:58,600 Clarinets, oboes, 222 00:12:58,640 --> 00:13:02,000 they're all made from this same material. 223 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:04,080 It's got very good tonal qualities. 224 00:13:04,120 --> 00:13:07,480 It's good for repelling moisture and it makes a good bagpipe! 225 00:13:14,080 --> 00:13:18,560 These beautifully decorated pipes would be redundant without reeds, 226 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:22,480 the thin strips of material that vibrate to make the sound. 227 00:13:25,080 --> 00:13:26,680 Slips are made from cane 228 00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:30,720 which are then shaped, soaked and wrapped around the staple... 229 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:35,960 ..and that produces the final chanter reed. 230 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:54,960 Once all the bagpipe components are made, 231 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:58,000 it's time to attach the pipes to the bag. 232 00:13:59,480 --> 00:14:02,040 This is, uh, one of the synthetic bags that we use. 233 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:04,320 You can still get sheepskin bag 234 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:08,000 but the beauty of synthetic bags is because they come with zips 235 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:11,240 it allows us then to be able to fit a moisture control system, 236 00:14:11,280 --> 00:14:13,240 so it's much more practical. 237 00:14:14,960 --> 00:14:17,320 After ten hours of craftsmanship, 238 00:14:17,360 --> 00:14:20,960 the set of highland bagpipes are ready to be played. 239 00:14:42,120 --> 00:14:45,200 It's the morning of the North Berwick Highland Games 240 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:49,800 and an early start for Keith Bowes and his Renfrewshire Schools Band. 241 00:14:52,240 --> 00:14:54,400 It's a really strong contest today. 242 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:57,880 We've got bands over from America, 243 00:14:57,920 --> 00:15:00,120 there's a band from Zimbabwe, 244 00:15:00,160 --> 00:15:04,880 so they're the kind of bands that we know are good from previous years of competing... 245 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:08,960 ..and they've never played at North Berwick before, 246 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:10,680 so this is a new experience for them, 247 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:12,560 so that makes it a wee bit more exciting. 248 00:15:14,600 --> 00:15:17,480 I suppose you always get nervous on the day of a competition, 249 00:15:17,520 --> 00:15:19,200 so many things that could go wrong! 250 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:23,080 If I just stay concentrated, I should be fine 251 00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:28,320 but anything that breaks my concentration could be DISASTROUS! 252 00:15:28,960 --> 00:15:31,520 Right, can I have everyone's attention, please? 253 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:33,920 We've got one performance today, 254 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:37,520 so you can afford to put ALL of the energy into that one performance! 255 00:15:37,560 --> 00:15:39,440 Have fun, good luck and let's play well! 256 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:40,560 Thank you! 257 00:15:40,600 --> 00:15:42,200 Woo! 258 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:47,080 (STIRRING MUSIC) 259 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:49,240 Every August, 260 00:15:49,280 --> 00:15:53,760 dozens of civilian pipe bands from across the globe descend upon East Lothian 261 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,080 to compete at these games. 262 00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:07,320 Highland Games are hugely important to the piping world and calendar 263 00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:10,560 but also to that wider Scottish cultural landscape... 264 00:16:11,440 --> 00:16:13,920 ..and piping has always been very much a part of that. 265 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:27,480 Highland Games can be dated back to the 11th century, 266 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:30,840 used by clan chieftains to select their best soldiers... 267 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:34,320 ..but now they're a meeting of the community 268 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:37,040 where pipe bands can showcase their skills. 269 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:45,320 Having a run-out at a games like North Berwick 270 00:16:45,360 --> 00:16:48,240 gives you the opportunity to get that last bit of practice, 271 00:16:48,280 --> 00:16:51,520 get that last bit of nerves out before you go and play the big one. 272 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:53,040 Everybody still wants to win 273 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:55,200 but you're going out to get the experience 274 00:16:55,240 --> 00:16:58,080 because playing in the circle on the day of a competition 275 00:16:58,120 --> 00:17:00,160 is different from playing in the band hall. 276 00:17:01,240 --> 00:17:04,240 Bands from all levels are competing today, 277 00:17:04,280 --> 00:17:07,200 from the juveniles, like Renfrewshire Schools Band... 278 00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:09,960 Let's really pick out... (VOCALISES) 279 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:11,079 One, two... 280 00:17:11,119 --> 00:17:14,400 (VOCALISING) 281 00:17:14,920 --> 00:17:16,880 ..through to the grade ones, 282 00:17:16,920 --> 00:17:20,920 including last year's winner, Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate, 283 00:17:20,960 --> 00:17:23,359 led by pipe major Ross Harvey. 284 00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:27,800 You always have to believe that you've got what it takes. 285 00:17:30,360 --> 00:17:33,400 But ultimately you need to deliver the performances. 286 00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:35,440 We know because of the results 287 00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:38,280 we have in us to be the best on any given day 288 00:17:38,320 --> 00:17:42,960 but what makes competing exciting is that it's not a given 289 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,480 that any band's gonna be the same week in, week out, 290 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:47,520 so that's why we keep doin' it! 291 00:17:49,880 --> 00:17:54,240 Helping Ross to keep that momentum going is leading drummer, Kerr. 292 00:17:55,680 --> 00:17:56,920 It's a big day for the band, 293 00:17:56,960 --> 00:17:59,400 we've got to be on point and doin' everythin' right. 294 00:18:04,960 --> 00:18:07,160 But competition will be tough... 295 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:11,000 Ross and his band will be playing against multiple winners 296 00:18:11,040 --> 00:18:12,680 Inverary and District, 297 00:18:12,720 --> 00:18:14,160 led by Stuart Liddell. 298 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:16,800 Grade one is serious, 299 00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:18,920 it's a different game, in my opinion, 300 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:21,800 than a football game or a running race. 301 00:18:22,600 --> 00:18:24,960 Uh, it's very subjective. 302 00:18:30,600 --> 00:18:33,760 So, the best thing is to concentrate on the performance itself 303 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:35,200 and the music itself 304 00:18:35,240 --> 00:18:37,120 and be the best you can be. 305 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:42,000 Stuart expects the very best performance from his band 306 00:18:42,040 --> 00:18:45,200 but some things are out of his control, 307 00:18:45,240 --> 00:18:48,120 like the unpredictable Scottish weather! 308 00:18:48,640 --> 00:18:51,000 The weather can have huge effects on piping. 309 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:55,280 We're essentially blowing kind of hot, damp air into a sealed bag 310 00:18:55,320 --> 00:18:57,280 so there's an internal environment there 311 00:18:57,320 --> 00:19:00,440 and then there's the chance of moisture gettin' onto the reeds, 312 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:02,840 which affects their tuning and their steadiness. 313 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:04,600 If you're playing in a band, 314 00:19:04,640 --> 00:19:07,840 you're definitely gonna be affected by the weather and the climate. 315 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:09,480 You could be tuning up in the sun, 316 00:19:09,520 --> 00:19:11,440 cloud comes over, few degrees colder, 317 00:19:11,480 --> 00:19:12,720 the pipes need retuned! 318 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:15,800 The weather is a risk 319 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:19,440 but it's one Ross is prepared to take for now... 320 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:22,160 If it gets too wet today we wouldn't play, 321 00:19:22,200 --> 00:19:26,000 but the way it's looking it's a bit showery on and off, just a case of managin' it. 322 00:19:28,240 --> 00:19:30,840 But just as the bands are starting to warm up... 323 00:19:31,480 --> 00:19:32,640 Get the covers on! 324 00:19:32,680 --> 00:19:34,080 Tenors under the trees! 325 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:37,720 Today's weather is a little bit touch and go. 326 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:41,000 A typical Scottish day! 327 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:43,880 We don't want the instruments to get wet, either. 328 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:47,520 If we get a real downpour, we'll probably ask to scratch today 329 00:19:47,560 --> 00:19:50,240 but I'm hoping that it stays good for the afternoon. 330 00:19:51,480 --> 00:19:54,320 Does it looks like it's gonna ease off? No! 331 00:19:56,480 --> 00:20:00,080 Today's competition could be a wash-out for the pipes and drums... 332 00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:04,840 ..but one thing the rain hasn't stopped is the Highland dancing! 333 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:17,360 The history of Highland dancing, um, goes back many years 334 00:20:17,400 --> 00:20:20,680 when it was only men that were allowed to dance. 335 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:24,840 Um, the females were forbidden to put on a kilt 336 00:20:24,880 --> 00:20:26,160 and go up to dance. 337 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,880 So, they fought and fought for quite a few years 338 00:20:28,920 --> 00:20:30,520 and they won their battle 339 00:20:30,560 --> 00:20:34,120 and now it's more a female-orientated sport! 340 00:20:35,120 --> 00:20:39,760 Competing in today's sword dance is 15-year-old Imogen McConville. 341 00:20:39,800 --> 00:20:44,400 It's actually based off of the rituals that soldiers used to do 342 00:20:44,440 --> 00:20:47,040 before war for good luck over the swords, 343 00:20:47,080 --> 00:20:48,080 so it's difficult 344 00:20:48,120 --> 00:20:50,680 and if you kick your sword then you're in trouble! 345 00:21:03,280 --> 00:21:05,040 On the other side of the field... 346 00:21:05,840 --> 00:21:06,840 Quick march! 347 00:21:09,280 --> 00:21:11,760 ..the grade one bands are getting ready to compete. 348 00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:14,360 They will perform twice. 349 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:16,920 The first is the march, strathspey and reel. 350 00:21:18,560 --> 00:21:21,040 Composed, relaxed, sharp! 351 00:21:22,120 --> 00:21:24,040 Known as the MSR, 352 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:28,040 this traditional set of three tunes comprises the march, 353 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:29,880 whose roots are in the military, 354 00:21:29,920 --> 00:21:31,560 and the strathspey and reel, 355 00:21:31,600 --> 00:21:34,560 two dances that are highly technical to play. 356 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:42,840 But right now, they're warming up for the medley, 357 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:45,640 a freestyle amalgamation of different tunes. 358 00:21:47,960 --> 00:21:49,720 It's a tight competition 359 00:21:49,760 --> 00:21:52,840 but Inverary and District have a trick up their sleeve 360 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:54,480 that could give them the edge. 361 00:21:56,560 --> 00:21:59,280 In our medley competition, we have the chanter cut off. 362 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:00,400 It's really hard to do, 363 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:03,120 especially under the pressure of being a competition. 364 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:05,280 So, yeah, fingers crossed we'll pull it off! 365 00:22:09,200 --> 00:22:12,360 Because the pipes have a continuous sound all the time, 366 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:14,840 you've got your three drones going all the time, 367 00:22:14,880 --> 00:22:16,560 the melody comes from the chanter. 368 00:22:17,120 --> 00:22:18,800 With a slight drop in pressure, 369 00:22:18,840 --> 00:22:20,880 you can cut the sound out the chanter, 370 00:22:20,920 --> 00:22:23,360 so it takes a little bit of practice to do that. 371 00:22:26,120 --> 00:22:30,080 But with nine other bands to beat it won't be a walk in the park, 372 00:22:30,120 --> 00:22:34,000 especially with their rivals hot on their heels... 373 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,280 Don't rush ahead, listen to what they're doing! 374 00:22:39,320 --> 00:22:40,440 Tenors, watch the runs, 375 00:22:40,480 --> 00:22:43,320 we need to clock onto the timing, just listen into the pipes, 376 00:22:43,360 --> 00:22:44,720 listen to Ross at all times! 377 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:53,560 Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate are the current holders of the Highland Games Trophy 378 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:57,320 so they need to keep focused to retain their title. 379 00:22:59,400 --> 00:23:00,400 As pipe major, 380 00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:04,120 you're trying to make sure that the overall package is working together, 381 00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:07,440 so you're thinking a lot about tempo and transitions 382 00:23:07,480 --> 00:23:11,240 and just little details that can try and get the performance tighter. 383 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:16,600 We've got some really good performances under our belts so far, 384 00:23:16,640 --> 00:23:17,960 so it's, uh... 385 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:19,000 It's game on! 386 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:34,000 The North Berwick Highland Games are now in full swing... 387 00:23:34,040 --> 00:23:36,200 (CHEERING) 388 00:23:36,240 --> 00:23:38,880 ..and the grade one bands are ready to battle it out 389 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:41,600 in the first of their performances, 390 00:23:41,640 --> 00:23:43,240 the medley contest. 391 00:23:44,080 --> 00:23:46,600 The medleys have to be five to seven minutes long, 392 00:23:46,640 --> 00:23:48,240 um, so it's quite a tall order, 393 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:51,160 whereas in the lower grades you might have a march medley 394 00:23:51,200 --> 00:23:53,200 where you have to play a couple of marches. 395 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:54,680 During the medley, 396 00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:57,360 both pipes and drums will be under scrutiny, 397 00:23:57,400 --> 00:23:59,280 with two trophies to play for. 398 00:24:00,360 --> 00:24:02,760 And up first, the current holders. 399 00:24:02,800 --> 00:24:04,640 From Midlothian, 400 00:24:04,680 --> 00:24:07,200 the Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate 401 00:24:07,240 --> 00:24:09,120 Caledonia Pipe Band! 402 00:24:09,160 --> 00:24:10,640 (CHEERING) 403 00:24:10,680 --> 00:24:11,680 In the crowd, 404 00:24:11,720 --> 00:24:15,280 waiting to absorb every note is novice piper, Aaron. 405 00:24:16,200 --> 00:24:17,440 I really like Boghall, 406 00:24:17,480 --> 00:24:19,160 especially, um, this year. 407 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:21,480 I started listening to them a lot more, 408 00:24:21,520 --> 00:24:23,880 picked up a few of their tunes from the medleys. 409 00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:26,200 They're really in tune, compared to last year. 410 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:28,160 They've kind of, like, stepped it up 411 00:24:28,200 --> 00:24:30,600 so I'm actually quite hopeful for them this year 412 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:31,720 for the worlds as well, 413 00:24:31,760 --> 00:24:32,840 they're really good! 414 00:24:37,080 --> 00:24:39,160 The band may have a new superfan 415 00:24:39,200 --> 00:24:43,000 but the people they really need to impress are the adjudicators. 416 00:24:50,640 --> 00:24:53,000 In a pipe band competition, there are four judges. 417 00:24:53,040 --> 00:24:56,000 You have two piping judges, 418 00:24:56,040 --> 00:24:57,520 a drumming judge... 419 00:24:58,800 --> 00:25:00,160 ..and an ensemble judge. 420 00:25:01,760 --> 00:25:05,240 Your two piping judges are specifically listening to the pipe core. 421 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:08,640 They're listening for things like unison playing, 422 00:25:08,680 --> 00:25:12,320 tone and tuning, musicality and expression. 423 00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:20,280 Your drumming judge is doing something very similar with the drum core. 424 00:25:24,640 --> 00:25:26,600 Listening for unison playing, 425 00:25:26,640 --> 00:25:28,920 listening for dynamics... 426 00:25:30,880 --> 00:25:34,840 ..listening for the arrangement of the drum scores. 427 00:25:36,320 --> 00:25:39,920 And then your ensemble judge is sort of looking at the whole picture. 428 00:25:43,720 --> 00:25:45,720 (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 429 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:49,840 With Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate's medley over, 430 00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:53,960 it's now time for pipe major Stuart to lead his band out. 431 00:25:54,640 --> 00:25:57,200 I am absolutely delighted to welcome 432 00:25:57,240 --> 00:26:01,120 the tour de force of the Inverary and District Pipe Band! 433 00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:19,080 Listening to the band's every blow is adjudicator John Wilson. 434 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:24,120 It really does come down to musical interpretation, 435 00:26:24,160 --> 00:26:25,720 musical arrangements, 436 00:26:25,760 --> 00:26:27,040 how they present that 437 00:26:27,080 --> 00:26:30,240 and the impact it has on you as an adjudicator. 438 00:26:30,280 --> 00:26:34,800 So, you literally can't put a credit card between these performances! 439 00:26:34,840 --> 00:26:39,520 So, at the end of the day it really does come down to what grabbed you emotionally, 440 00:26:39,560 --> 00:26:40,760 what excited you 441 00:26:40,800 --> 00:26:44,680 and that's where you really have to look into your musical soul. 442 00:27:12,760 --> 00:27:16,840 But will the band's chanter stop impress the adjudicators? 443 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:29,200 Yes, that was the chanter stop! 444 00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:32,320 To the untrained ear, it's easily missed 445 00:27:32,360 --> 00:27:35,560 and as it's a break from tradition it's a risky move 446 00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:37,640 that may or may not pay off... 447 00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:51,960 Bagpipes aren't just associated with civilian bands. 448 00:27:54,200 --> 00:27:58,400 This musical instrument has deep-rooted history in the military, 449 00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:02,040 with its origins dating back to clan battles. 450 00:28:02,080 --> 00:28:04,920 Music was always hugely important in the... 451 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:07,600 In the court, in the castle of the clan chief, 452 00:28:07,640 --> 00:28:09,440 not only as a form of entertainment 453 00:28:09,480 --> 00:28:11,320 but as part of the... 454 00:28:11,360 --> 00:28:13,240 The retelling of genealogies. 455 00:28:13,280 --> 00:28:16,040 So, we're talking around the late 15th 456 00:28:16,080 --> 00:28:17,680 and into the 16th century. 457 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:19,000 It's no surprise, then, 458 00:28:19,040 --> 00:28:22,560 that, in a period of increasing conflict, 459 00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:24,000 of increased warfare, 460 00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:27,960 that an instrument that is loud, that is vigorous, 461 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:29,000 that is strong 462 00:28:29,040 --> 00:28:30,680 begins to... 463 00:28:30,720 --> 00:28:31,720 To dominate. 464 00:28:31,760 --> 00:28:34,360 Any conflict that Scots have been involved in, 465 00:28:34,400 --> 00:28:38,040 typically they have gone into battle to the sound of bagpipes. 466 00:28:39,080 --> 00:28:42,160 It was well-known during the First World War, for instance, 467 00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:44,480 that the kilted regiments with their pipers 468 00:28:44,520 --> 00:28:46,600 were called The Ladies from Hell. 469 00:28:46,640 --> 00:28:48,920 And it was the piper who played 470 00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:51,960 and the piper who was the aim for the... 471 00:28:52,000 --> 00:28:53,720 The German snipers to kill, 472 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:56,640 because they knew the power of the piper! 473 00:29:02,760 --> 00:29:06,280 When you hear a really good piper it speaks to one's soul, 474 00:29:06,320 --> 00:29:08,160 it certainly speaks to MY soul, 475 00:29:08,200 --> 00:29:10,920 and it's probably the only reason that I would go to war, 476 00:29:10,960 --> 00:29:12,480 would be behind a piper. 477 00:29:14,640 --> 00:29:18,440 The pipes take on a particularly important and evocative role 478 00:29:18,480 --> 00:29:20,040 during the Battle of the Somme. 479 00:29:20,800 --> 00:29:23,560 It lasted 141 days 480 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:26,880 and was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. 481 00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:32,040 Many significant artefacts from that time are held here 482 00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:34,120 at the National Museum of Scotland. 483 00:29:37,680 --> 00:29:39,680 This is a set of bagpipes 484 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:45,600 that was played by a pipe major in the 15th Battalion of the Royal Scots 485 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:47,040 at the Battle of the Somme. 486 00:29:49,280 --> 00:29:55,200 The piper that played these bagpipes was one of 2,500 Scottish pipers. 487 00:29:56,280 --> 00:30:00,000 The role of the piper in the trenches during the First World War 488 00:30:00,040 --> 00:30:03,640 was essentially to boost morale of the troops 489 00:30:03,680 --> 00:30:05,080 and to lead them into battle. 490 00:30:05,840 --> 00:30:08,760 So, you can imagine the incredible courage it would have taken 491 00:30:08,800 --> 00:30:13,160 for a piper to leave his trench unarmed, 492 00:30:13,200 --> 00:30:15,920 the only thing in his hands, his bagpipes. 493 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:20,640 The losses were so high 494 00:30:20,680 --> 00:30:23,760 that, after the First World War, 495 00:30:23,800 --> 00:30:27,960 the role of the piper on the frontline is stopped. 496 00:30:34,080 --> 00:30:37,440 Today, bagpipes are very much part of military tradition. 497 00:30:39,760 --> 00:30:43,680 They now play an integral role at ceremonies and pageants. 498 00:30:49,240 --> 00:30:52,520 Earlier in the summer at St Omer Barracks in Hampshire... 499 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:56,400 OK, troops, final rehearsal this morning! 500 00:30:58,920 --> 00:31:00,320 ..Major Gordon Rowan, 501 00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:02,360 director of army bagpipe music, 502 00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:05,720 brought together the best musicians from different regiments 503 00:31:05,760 --> 00:31:07,320 to form a supergroup 504 00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:10,600 for His Majesty King Charles III's coronation. 505 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:13,920 To deliver for the coronation 506 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:16,160 with the crowds that'll be lining the streets, 507 00:31:16,200 --> 00:31:19,160 it puts the hairs up on the back of your neck, 508 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:21,080 it makes you proud to be British 509 00:31:21,120 --> 00:31:25,560 but it makes you more proud as well to be part of the army pipes and drums. 510 00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:28,920 Unlike the civilian bands, 511 00:31:28,960 --> 00:31:31,720 the troops only had three intense days 512 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:32,920 practising together, 513 00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:37,360 and with 27 tunes to perfect the pressure was on! 514 00:31:37,920 --> 00:31:40,760 This is just the final confirmation check 515 00:31:40,800 --> 00:31:43,800 before we head to London tomorrow 516 00:31:43,840 --> 00:31:47,520 to deliver our part on the coronation. 517 00:31:48,320 --> 00:31:51,000 From the minute you step off, you're in the public eye, 518 00:31:51,040 --> 00:31:53,840 110% concentration throughout 519 00:31:53,880 --> 00:31:59,360 and we'll deliver a magnificent performance as the pipes and drums always do. 520 00:31:59,400 --> 00:32:01,320 Quick march! 521 00:32:25,560 --> 00:32:29,800 Twenty-year-old trooper Ryan Smart was lucky enough to make the grade 522 00:32:29,840 --> 00:32:32,200 and be part of this historic occasion. 523 00:32:33,240 --> 00:32:34,280 Six weeks ago, 524 00:32:34,320 --> 00:32:36,000 when I started at school, 525 00:32:36,040 --> 00:32:38,400 and being at the coronation now, it is crazy... 526 00:32:39,360 --> 00:32:41,800 It's obviously a tremendous honour, to be asked. 527 00:32:41,840 --> 00:32:43,440 I didn't really expect it at all 528 00:32:43,480 --> 00:32:45,560 and, now I'm here, it's kind of unreal. 529 00:32:46,400 --> 00:32:48,960 Major Rowan is definitely looking for perfection. 530 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:50,440 With such a big band, 531 00:32:50,480 --> 00:32:52,960 the rehearsals have been pretty cut-throat. 532 00:32:57,120 --> 00:32:59,800 Piping first became popular with the royal family 533 00:32:59,840 --> 00:33:01,920 during the reign of Queen Victoria 534 00:33:01,960 --> 00:33:05,840 when she fell in love with the instrument during a trip to the Highlands... 535 00:33:09,280 --> 00:33:12,120 ..and it's been a royal tradition ever since. 536 00:33:16,840 --> 00:33:20,160 One band member who's no stranger to a royal occasion 537 00:33:20,200 --> 00:33:22,400 is Lance Corporal Norman Gillies, 538 00:33:22,440 --> 00:33:25,200 who's been playing the pipes for 22 years. 539 00:33:27,800 --> 00:33:29,400 I've done the queen's jubilee, 540 00:33:29,440 --> 00:33:31,000 I've done the queen's funeral 541 00:33:31,040 --> 00:33:32,600 and now the king's coronation. 542 00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:35,440 I love everything about the bagpipes, 543 00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:36,720 the culture behind it, 544 00:33:36,760 --> 00:33:39,640 going from folk music to ceilidh dancing, 545 00:33:39,680 --> 00:33:42,680 to the military side of things, to the solo competing, 546 00:33:42,720 --> 00:33:44,040 to the band competing... 547 00:33:44,080 --> 00:33:46,000 Every aspect of piping, I... I love. 548 00:33:46,040 --> 00:33:48,120 Stand at ease! 549 00:33:48,840 --> 00:33:52,120 After only a few days of rigorous rehearsals, 550 00:33:52,160 --> 00:33:55,880 the troops are almost ready for their prestigious performance. 551 00:33:57,040 --> 00:34:00,920 Thank you for all your efforts in getting us to where we are, 552 00:34:00,960 --> 00:34:03,560 let's have a good performance tomorrow, 553 00:34:03,600 --> 00:34:04,880 so, well done, everybody! 554 00:34:12,920 --> 00:34:17,239 (PENSIVE MUSIC) 555 00:34:20,239 --> 00:34:21,719 Early-morning in London 556 00:34:21,760 --> 00:34:24,840 and it's the day of King Charles III's coronation. 557 00:34:27,320 --> 00:34:29,679 Thousands of members of the armed forces 558 00:34:29,719 --> 00:34:31,520 arrived at Waterloo Station. 559 00:34:33,080 --> 00:34:34,080 Come on! 560 00:34:34,120 --> 00:34:36,800 After three days of intense rehearsal, 561 00:34:36,840 --> 00:34:41,159 Major Gordon Rowan and his troops are kitted out in all the regalia 562 00:34:41,199 --> 00:34:43,800 ready for the performance of a lifetime. 563 00:34:44,880 --> 00:34:45,960 Looking forward to it 564 00:34:46,000 --> 00:34:48,600 because obviously you play an integral part, 565 00:34:48,639 --> 00:34:53,320 representing the culture and heritage that we do with the pipes and the drums. 566 00:34:53,360 --> 00:34:54,840 So, to be part of this parade 567 00:34:54,880 --> 00:34:57,200 and giving our supporting element to it, 568 00:34:57,240 --> 00:34:59,160 it's really the pinnacle for us. 569 00:35:03,880 --> 00:35:05,400 Before their performance, 570 00:35:05,440 --> 00:35:08,600 the band made their way to Wellington Barracks to tune up. 571 00:35:18,880 --> 00:35:21,160 This is such a big event to be playing for 572 00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:22,640 and being part of history, 573 00:35:22,680 --> 00:35:24,320 it's a great thing to be a part of. 574 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:29,120 I'll get nervous until we strike up 575 00:35:29,160 --> 00:35:31,400 and then once we can hear the sound and we're off 576 00:35:31,440 --> 00:35:33,360 there's nothing you can do 577 00:35:33,400 --> 00:35:35,960 so you just pray that it's all good 578 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:38,480 and then we'll have a good performance. 579 00:35:38,520 --> 00:35:41,360 It really makes me proud to be part of something so special 580 00:35:41,400 --> 00:35:43,040 and something quite unique. 581 00:35:44,080 --> 00:35:46,080 When I step out, I'll be a bit nervous 582 00:35:46,120 --> 00:35:48,120 but we'll get into the flow of things, 583 00:35:48,160 --> 00:35:50,000 the tunes will start going on 584 00:35:50,040 --> 00:35:51,880 and, uh, it should be a great time. 585 00:35:54,280 --> 00:35:55,920 Close in! Close in! 586 00:35:55,960 --> 00:35:59,520 We've done all the hard work and we're good to go, 587 00:35:59,560 --> 00:36:01,440 enjoy it, relax 588 00:36:01,480 --> 00:36:03,480 and make your units proud, 589 00:36:03,520 --> 00:36:05,080 your family members proud 590 00:36:05,120 --> 00:36:06,560 and, more so, 591 00:36:06,600 --> 00:36:09,760 showcase what the army pipes and drums can deliver. 592 00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:11,160 Have a good one, thank you. 593 00:37:00,880 --> 00:37:01,960 It's August 594 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:05,040 and at the North Berwick Highland Games in East Lothian 595 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:07,920 it's time for Renfrewshire Schools Band to compete 596 00:37:07,960 --> 00:37:10,760 in the Novice Juvenile B Category. 597 00:37:12,120 --> 00:37:14,160 It's almost getting a bit real now, 598 00:37:14,200 --> 00:37:15,840 we're about to finalise tuning! 599 00:37:19,280 --> 00:37:20,600 For pipe major Keith, 600 00:37:20,640 --> 00:37:22,360 the pressure is on. 601 00:37:22,400 --> 00:37:24,720 His band will need to be pitch perfect. 602 00:37:32,840 --> 00:37:35,400 That's probably the tempo I want out there, yeah? 603 00:37:35,440 --> 00:37:37,840 Just keep it calm, yeah? 604 00:37:37,880 --> 00:37:40,120 Fuller expression, just like the last one, 605 00:37:40,160 --> 00:37:41,920 every single tune that you go into, 606 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:43,880 just dig it in a wee bit. 607 00:37:44,560 --> 00:37:46,160 I think everyone's a bit nervous. 608 00:37:46,200 --> 00:37:48,000 Um... Oh, gosh, I need to go! 609 00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:56,520 About to enter ring one in the Novice Juvenile B Marches, 610 00:37:56,560 --> 00:37:58,960 The Band of the Renfrewshire Schools. 611 00:38:00,120 --> 00:38:02,560 There's 11 other bands in their category 612 00:38:02,600 --> 00:38:05,200 and, having never won this competition before, 613 00:38:05,240 --> 00:38:10,480 they really need to deliver a strong march medley to secure any kind of placement. 614 00:38:12,160 --> 00:38:14,280 Band, halt... 615 00:38:14,320 --> 00:38:15,840 Band, stand at ease. 616 00:38:15,880 --> 00:38:16,880 Band, easy. 617 00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:19,640 And all right, quick march! 618 00:39:21,640 --> 00:39:25,520 I'm not sure any pipe major is ever ENTIRELY happy... 619 00:39:25,560 --> 00:39:27,400 You know, I'm maybe being too critical 620 00:39:27,440 --> 00:39:29,200 but I just want more for next week. 621 00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:32,400 There was a few slip-ups but that's what you want, 622 00:39:32,440 --> 00:39:35,240 you want to get the mistakes out the way before the worlds, 623 00:39:35,280 --> 00:39:38,240 so, in all, it's just... 624 00:39:38,280 --> 00:39:39,480 It's a good performance. 625 00:39:42,240 --> 00:39:44,560 Hundreds of pipers have played in today's games, 626 00:39:44,600 --> 00:39:46,680 which are now coming to a close. 627 00:39:47,480 --> 00:39:49,360 And the results are in... 628 00:39:49,400 --> 00:39:51,600 Keith thinks one band might have beaten us 629 00:39:51,640 --> 00:39:54,240 but positive mental attitude! 630 00:39:54,880 --> 00:39:56,640 I think it's deserving of a place, 631 00:39:56,680 --> 00:39:58,480 just don't know about first place, 632 00:39:58,520 --> 00:40:00,520 so, yeah, you always be hopeful.. 633 00:40:00,560 --> 00:40:01,920 So, you never know. 634 00:40:02,480 --> 00:40:07,720 (TENSE BEAT) 635 00:40:08,600 --> 00:40:11,360 Novice Juvenile B Contest Open... 636 00:40:11,400 --> 00:40:12,400 In first place, 637 00:40:12,440 --> 00:40:14,120 for Bill McMorn Memorial Trophy... 638 00:40:16,320 --> 00:40:17,680 ..Renfrewshire Schools. 639 00:40:18,280 --> 00:40:19,280 That was us! 640 00:40:19,320 --> 00:40:22,120 (CHEERING) 641 00:40:22,160 --> 00:40:24,160 Renfrewshire School Novice B Open! 642 00:40:24,200 --> 00:40:25,400 I'm comin'! 643 00:40:29,960 --> 00:40:31,440 Thank you very much. 644 00:40:31,480 --> 00:40:32,480 Thank you. 645 00:40:37,480 --> 00:40:39,160 Woo! 646 00:40:39,960 --> 00:40:42,480 Oh... (CHEERING) 647 00:40:45,160 --> 00:40:47,200 It's the first time we've won this trophy. 648 00:40:47,240 --> 00:40:50,320 Still a good feeling to get it first time for a competition. 649 00:40:50,360 --> 00:40:53,280 Today's a warm up for the worlds and they did a good performance 650 00:40:53,320 --> 00:40:56,720 but I just know that they can do better again and they know that themselves 651 00:40:56,760 --> 00:40:58,560 so we've got another week of practices 652 00:40:58,600 --> 00:41:00,360 and then the big one at Glasgow Green. 653 00:41:00,400 --> 00:41:01,560 (CHEERING) 654 00:41:03,920 --> 00:41:07,120 The elite grade one bands have been competing all day as well, 655 00:41:07,160 --> 00:41:10,320 including Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate 656 00:41:10,360 --> 00:41:11,920 and Inverary and District... 657 00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:16,240 ..who have both performed two competition pieces. 658 00:41:18,320 --> 00:41:21,200 They have been scored on the march, strathspey and reel, 659 00:41:21,240 --> 00:41:24,160 which is known as the MSR and the medley. 660 00:41:25,360 --> 00:41:27,440 We've all had a good day, we've all enjoyed it 661 00:41:27,480 --> 00:41:30,280 and ultimately we've came here and done what we've had to do. 662 00:41:30,320 --> 00:41:32,840 The bands are awarded points for their performances, 663 00:41:32,880 --> 00:41:35,440 with trophies up for grabs in each section. 664 00:41:35,480 --> 00:41:37,480 The points are then added up, 665 00:41:37,520 --> 00:41:39,760 with a trophy for the overall winner. 666 00:41:39,800 --> 00:41:41,040 We're very, very happy. 667 00:41:41,080 --> 00:41:42,680 We've left everything out there, 668 00:41:42,720 --> 00:41:44,960 so it's just about waitin' for the results now. 669 00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:48,400 Last year, Boghall and Bathgate were crowned champions 670 00:41:48,440 --> 00:41:49,840 but can they do it again? 671 00:41:51,600 --> 00:41:54,360 The Grade One and Two Open MSR Contest, 672 00:41:54,400 --> 00:41:56,600 in first place, for the Chieftain's Trophy, 673 00:41:56,640 --> 00:41:58,880 Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia. 674 00:41:58,920 --> 00:41:59,920 Come on! 675 00:42:04,120 --> 00:42:05,680 We won the MSR, 676 00:42:05,720 --> 00:42:07,600 it's quite good, we're happy! 677 00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:11,560 In first place for the Scottish Building Society Trophy, 678 00:42:11,600 --> 00:42:12,880 Inverary and District. 679 00:42:17,720 --> 00:42:19,640 We won the MSR prize, 680 00:42:19,680 --> 00:42:22,440 uh, and Inverary went and won the medley prize there. 681 00:42:22,480 --> 00:42:25,280 It looks like Boghall and ourselves are tied today. 682 00:42:25,880 --> 00:42:27,440 So, with one trophy each, 683 00:42:27,480 --> 00:42:30,600 which band will take the highest cumulative score? 684 00:42:31,240 --> 00:42:32,280 In first place... 685 00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:35,440 ..Inverary and District! 686 00:42:37,000 --> 00:42:40,680 Inverary have taken the crown from Boghall and Bathgate. 687 00:42:51,920 --> 00:42:53,160 Really happy with today. 688 00:42:53,200 --> 00:42:54,760 Perfect, good results 689 00:42:54,800 --> 00:42:57,360 and happy going forward to the worlds. 690 00:42:58,600 --> 00:43:00,000 Yep, and we're in good shape, 691 00:43:00,040 --> 00:43:02,120 so we'll see what happens, fingers crossed. 692 00:43:02,160 --> 00:43:05,600 Inverary and District's risk certainly paid off. 693 00:43:06,480 --> 00:43:07,720 Quick march! 694 00:43:07,760 --> 00:43:12,520 Now, Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate will have to take it up a notch 695 00:43:12,560 --> 00:43:16,040 and Field Marshal Montgomery need to rise to the challenge 696 00:43:16,080 --> 00:43:19,760 if they are to reign supreme at the World Championships. 697 00:43:21,880 --> 00:43:23,240 Next time... 698 00:43:23,280 --> 00:43:27,680 Both military and civilian bands reach the summit of their seasons. 699 00:43:27,720 --> 00:43:29,960 The detail over the eat, don't do that! 700 00:43:30,560 --> 00:43:31,560 For the military, 701 00:43:31,600 --> 00:43:34,280 it's the massed gathering of the Edinburgh Tattoo. 702 00:43:35,120 --> 00:43:37,160 You hear the cheers and the clapping, 703 00:43:37,200 --> 00:43:39,120 it puts the hairs on the back of your neck! 704 00:43:39,160 --> 00:43:41,120 Accomplished players go head-to-head 705 00:43:41,160 --> 00:43:44,200 for the honour of being chosen as the lone piper. 706 00:43:44,240 --> 00:43:45,360 It's a great privilege. 707 00:43:45,400 --> 00:43:48,160 You are the face of the British Army. 708 00:43:48,200 --> 00:43:50,360 After battling it out all season, 709 00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:53,000 we follow our three grade one pipe bands... 710 00:43:53,680 --> 00:43:55,520 Let's go in there and do it! 711 00:43:55,560 --> 00:43:57,640 ..as they take to Glasgow Green 712 00:43:57,680 --> 00:44:00,240 for the finale of the piping competition calendar... 713 00:44:01,720 --> 00:44:03,320 The adrenaline keeps you going. 714 00:44:03,360 --> 00:44:04,600 ..vying to be crowed... 715 00:44:04,640 --> 00:44:06,440 It's all in the hands of the judges now. 716 00:44:06,480 --> 00:44:08,840 ..the pipe band champions of the world. 717 00:44:10,080 --> 00:44:12,040 The world champions are... 718 00:44:12,080 --> 00:44:13,760 (BEAT STRIKES) 719 00:44:37,760 --> 00:44:42,760 Subtitles by Sky Access Services www.skyaccessibility.sky