The Best of 2013 – The Results

Best International Pipe Band of 2013

Field Marshal Montgomery

Richard Parkes and Field Marshal are unstoppable. Since the Scottish Championships in 2011, they have only dropped two out of the 15 major championships, and finished second in those other two. They claimed grand-slams in 2011 and 2013, and look set to have another stellar season in 2014. With three-in-a-row under their belts, besting the record of six-in-a-row set by Strathclyde Police Pipe Band looks certain to be on Richard Parkes’ cards. The drum corps is on the improve, with 3/5 of the major Drum Corps titles to their name this year.

They are the best there has ever been. Field Marshal Montgomery are the Best International Pipe Band of 2013.

Some comments from our experts:

• Literally the best pipe band there has ever been. Period.
• Richard gets the sound everytime, and the players are perfectionists. There was no one else close to touching them, at least piping wise, this year.

Also in consideration:

• Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia
  Unlucky to have missed out on a title or two this season according to a few of our experts, Boghall and Bathgate were second at 4/5 of the major championships this year. The drum corps took the Scottish Championships and were unlucky to miss out on the World Drum Corps title by one point. Boghall under Pipe Major Ross Walker and Leading Drummer Gordon Brown continue to push for the top prize.
• Inveraray & District Pipe Band
  A huge year for the young band from Argyll, who were crowned Cowal Drum Corps Champions at the very last major of the season. They also put on the best ever concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert, according to one of our panelists, and few would disagree – a sell out event with music oozing from the pores of the buildings. 2014 is sure to be a good year for Inveraray and District who will be looking to improve on their tremendous 2014 season.