The ScottishPower Pipe Band has triumphed at the Scots Trad Music Awards, taking the coveted title of Scottish Pipe Band of the Year. It caps a fantastic year for the 40-strong band, which has seen them perform to thousands of people and compete in a host of prestigious events.

The sixth annual Scots Trad Music Awards – celebrating the best of Scottish musical talent - took place at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Saturday night (6th December). Awards were presented in a total of 16 categories, including Live Act of the Year and Album of the Year.

Chris Armstrong, Pipe Major in the ScottishPower Pipe Band, said: “We are truly honoured to have won this award, and it is made even more special given that members of the public voted for the winners. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. The shortlist was incredibly strong, and all the bands who were nominated deserve credit.

 “This award rounds-off a fantastic year for the band. We have performed consistently well in competition, and put in a good showing at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow during the summer. Next year looks like it is going to be just as busy, and we already have a number of major performances planned, including the Celtic Connections Festival.”

Notes to Editors:

The other nominees in the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year category were:

Spirit of Scotland
Bucksburn & District N/J
Johnson Pipe Band
ScottishPower Pipe Band Facts:

The band, who have been sponsored by ScottishPower since 1989, are one of the world's leading grade 1 pipe bands having featured as a regular prize-winner in all major competitions over several decades. Awards include: Cowal Champions (x2), Scottish Champions, All-Ireland Champions and runners-up in the World Championships.

Great ambassadors for the company, they are in demand throughout the world, having performed in the US, Canada, Japan and China.

The band have appeared before The Queen at Braemar, for the Pope at St Peter's in Rome, with Sir Paul McCartney at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, at the Lord Mayor's Show in London, at the Official Opening of the Scottish Parliament and at the 75th Royal Variety Performance. The band has appeared on TV networks throughout the world promoting their sponsorship with the company whilst dressed in the ScottishPower tartan which was commissioned especially for them.

Recent performance highlights include appearances at the Celtic Connections Festival, the Glasgow River Festival, the Macmillan Cancer Support Carol Concert in London, the Scottish Fashion Awards at Stirling Castle and the Childline Scotland Hollywood Legends Ball.

Footage of the band performing can be seen at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/music/worlds/bands/scottish_power/

Media Information: Paul Ferguson 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924