Alexandria dad and daughter gear up to compete in Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Dumbarton

Vale of Leven Academy pupil Rowan Murdoch is ready to impress as a drum major for Johnston Pipe Band when the competition returns to Levengrove Park on July 27.

Her dad, George, 38, meanwhile, who has been competing in the championships since 1999, will perform as a tenor drummer for Lower Clyde Pipe and Drums.

In total, 125 bands will be performing at the event, which will see 25,000 visitors descend on Dumbarton for a celebration of Scottish music and Highland dancing.

The 16-year-old said: “There’s something really special about the Scottish Championships being at home.

"It makes me very proud to perform in my home town and I’m hoping to be placed this year. It’s great to compete alongside my dad too.”

West Dunbartonshire is hosting the championships for the 20th year running, and along with music and dancing, traders will also be selling Scottish themed goods, pipe band accessories, arts and crafts, clothing, handbags, jewellery and much more.

A large fun fair with all the traditional amusements, meanwhile, will help keep kids entertained throughout the day, along with a family fun area with children's magic shows, balloon modelling and laser quest.

And if all that fun helps work up an appetite, there will be a host of tasty snacks to choose from including, but not limited to, oven fired pizzas, authentic Greek food, fish and chips, burgers and crepes.

Depute Provost Karen Conaghan added: “Nothing beats the sound of the pipes and the sight of the bands in their traditional Highland dress, and with the upgrades recently carried out in Levengrove Park, it really is a very special venue too."

There will be a pay and park facility at the venue, but due to the high volume of people expected at the event, visitors are encouraged to use public transport.