Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band were World Champions in 2023 and are building on that success by heading to America to perform. 

Almost 40 young people from the band will take part in both the Tartan Day parade and the pre-parade in Bryant Park. 

The pipe band formed in 2017 and has pupils from first to sixth year from seven of Renfrewshire's schools. 

The trip has been supported and funded by parents and carers. 

Rhys Colton, fourth year pupil at Johnstone High School, said: "I'm excited to go to New York because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It'll be great to go and have fun. Going with all the band and having time together will be great. I haven't been to America before, so really excited for it." 

Kady McGuire, fifth year pupil at the same high school, said: "I'm really excited to go away to New York. It's the first time I'm going abroad in ages and I get to go with the pipe band, so I'm really excited. I've not been to America at all, so first time for everything." 

Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jnr. said: "I'm so proud to lead the team and take them to America for Tartan Day. The young people and their families have put in a lot of hard work. The support from Renfrewshire Council has been instrumental and has given these young people this amazing unique opportunity to represent Renfrewshire and Scotland on a global stage." 

Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron wished the young people a successful trip. She said: "This is a wonderful opportunity of a lifetime to play in such a huge event over in America. I hope all the young people have a fabulous time and the trip gives them many wonderful memories. 

"Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band have achieved so much success over the last few years. Being World Champions is a phenomenal accolade. I am so proud of everything they've done and know they will continue to go forward to do things bigger and better each time." 

Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band have been Scottish Pipe Band Champions and World Pipe Band Champions at juvenile B grade.  

They recently came third in the freestyle section of the recent Scottish Schools' Pipe Band Championship. 

Media release published on Wednesday 2 April 2025.