FINAL preparations are being made for the Dunfermline Pipe Band Championship which takes place on Saturday in Pittencrieff Park.

Organised by ‘Dunfermline First’, the event will feature some of Scotland’s top pipe bands who will be competing for trophies supplied by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association’s vice president, John Hughes, is delighted that Dunfermline has been chosen to host this event - the first one in Dunfermline for more than 20 years.

He said, “Dunfermline had a competition which used to take place on the Sunday after the annual World Championships in Glasgow and was very popular with bands who took part.

"The wonderful setting of Pittencrieff Park was a key factor in bringing this event back here and I know from speaking to the bands that they are delighted to be coming back to Dunfermline.” Commencing at noon there will be performances throughout the afternoon in two competition arenas on the south lawn of Pittencrieff Park which will bring a riot of colour and sound to the Glen.

The bands taking part are Lochgelly High School, North Lanarkshire Schools, George Watsons College, Methil and District, Kirkcaldy, Burntisland and District, Tulliallan Pipes and Drums, Greyfriars, Bo’ness Peebles Ex-Servicemens, Stockbridge, Royal Burgh of Stirling, Peter Vardy Glenrothes and District 2010, Penicuik and District, East Kilbride, Newtongrange, Craigmouth Caledonia, Shotts & Dykehead, Police Scotland Fife and Scottish Power.

As this is the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, King Robert the Bruce will be in attendance along with the ‘Strathleven Artizans’, who promote the historical links of Bruce, and will be on hand to inform visitors about him and his exploits.

A spokesman for ‘Dunfermline First’ said this would inform visitors about the importance of Dunfermline as a tourist destination.

“This presents a great opportunity to highlight those visiting Dunfermline for the first time that Robert the Bruce lies buried in Dunfermline Abbey.

"We are sure that people will take the opportunity to find out more about this and encourage others to come and see what a fantastic location Dunfermline is.

“We are delighted that the Dunfermline Press are media partners for this event which will help spread the word and attract more people to attend and enjoy what is a great part of Scottish culture and history.” A number of the bands will also be making appearances throughout the day in the city centre to take some of the colour and atmosphere of the event further afield.

They will be back in the Glen itself for the finale of the event when all the competing bands march into the main arena and perform together for the Massed Bands Display around 5pm, bringing the event to a close.