78th Highlanders pipe band makes finals at World Pipe Band Championships
Pipe band was undefeated in Canadian competitions this season
The 78th Highlanders Pipe Band of Halifax can now count themselves among the best in the world.
The Halifax Citadel pipers reached the finals of the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. The band last qualified for the final in 2005.
Reaching the finals at the first grade level meant the Highlanders were pitted against bands from Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and New Zealand — the highest level of competition there is.
When the final band marched, drummed and skirled, Scotland took home the top prize and the 78th Highlanders were in 12th position.
"Making it through to the finals was the goal we worked toward all year and I'm thrilled that it paid off," said Pipe Major Alex Gandy in a release.
The band includes more than 35 pipers and drummers and was undefeated in Canadian competitions this season.