Halfway there - having come through the main street, The Band emerges from beneath the railway bridge and begins the descent to the Games Field.

comes to a halt at the Finish Line in theThe Band comes to a halt at the Finish Line in the Games Field.

Pitlochry was the first location the Band ever attended for competition (way back in 2004) , and it is the one we enjoy doing most - so much so that we have attended every year since 2004.

It hosts the prestigious Street Parade (Marching and Smartness), which involves the bands who paritcipate in the Pipe Band competition at the Games, playing through the main streets of Pitlochry to the Games Field.

Each parade sets off at one minute invtervals and there are judges posted at various points en route.

We have previously been placed 2nd (2010) and taken of third place twice, but never have we attained that exhalted FIRST!

The omens did not look good this year - it was absolutely bucketing rain when we arrived in Pitlochry, but at least we were the first Band to arrive.

Such was the extent of the weather that we wondered whether the parade would go ahead, but it did, and the rain even abated (almost) but very band who took part wore capes, as it is a long distance from the start point at the Railway Station to the Games field.

Our Drum Major always makes sure the Band's turn out is first class - even if we had to wear capes over our band uniforms.

Clearly we must have done everything right. When it came to announcement of the Pipe Band results at the Finale of the Highland Games, it was disappointing to find we had not been placed third, nor ddid we place second.

But the elation when it was announced that the WINNER of the Street Parade was Northern Constabulary Pipe Band - well, it was tremendous.

Add in the fact that we were placed a creditable Third in our Grade (4) in the Pipe Band (musical) competition, and our two Drum Majors were placed Third (daughter) and First (father)in the Drum Major competition, meant it was an extremely satisfying day, after a disappointing season. Even the sun came out late in the afternoon for the prize-giving.