A global energy company which started in Aberdeen has been announced as the headline sponsor for this year’s European Pipe Band Championships which are taking place in the Scottish city for the first time since 1981.
Balmoral Group, which is an independent multi-discipline design and manufacturing company comprising several divisions, is taking part to help ensure the event’s success as part of the strong cultural traditions in the North East.
The European Pipe Band Championships are taking place in Duthie Park on 24 June and the event will attract people from all over the world to the Granite City.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, was joined today at Duthie Park by Sir James Milne CBE from Balmoral Group and Aberdeen Inspired along with the Lord Provost’s official piper, Pipe Major Julie Brinklow.
The Lord Provost said: “We are thrilled to have Balmoral Group as the headline sponsor for the European Pipe Band Championships.
“It is wonderful for the city of Aberdeen to host this fantastic event and I encourage everyone to come along and experience the day.”
Balmoral chairman and MD, Sir James Milne CBE, said: “We are so proud and happy that the European championships are coming to Aberdeen and I’m sure our city will extend its customary warm welcome.
“As a company that’s rooted firmly in the north-east of Scotland, an area that’s renowned for its strong cultural tradition, we feel honoured to be involved with such a great occasion.
“I hope the event will encourage a further understanding of piping and deeper Scottish values and that the many visitors to our city will leave with fond and lasting memories of our country, our region and its people.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to work with Aberdeen City Council and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in securing the European Pipe Band Championships for Aberdeen in June 2023. It being the second largest piping gathering in the world, the potential benefits for our businesses, wider communities and the city’s general standing are there for all to see.
"To now have the Balmoral Group as the event headline sponsor is a real coup. Sir James Milne and his team are not only an iconic north-east business with a global reputation, but they have done so much to promote the city and region’s cultural scene for many years.”
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive Colin Mulhern said: “We are delighted to be back in Aberdeen for the European Pipe Band Championships after an absence of over 40 years.
“The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association wish to thank Aberdeen Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Balmoral for their support in the presentation of this feast of piping, drumming, and drum majoring. We look forward to the usual professional standards of presentation as in previous years and look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the World to Aberdeen.”
More than 100 pipe bands from across Europe and as far as Australia will travel to Aberdeen to participate in one of the largest piping events in the world.
The day will also feature a range of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy, including a QR Dinosaur trail, canoes, and facepainting, as well as a selection of food and drink from local producers.
There will be no parking available onsite or in the areas surrounding Duthie Park on the day, with anyone attending encouraged to use public transport or walk to the event.
A free shuttle service will run from the city centre and a paid park and ride will also be available from Altens Farm Road. Spaces are limited and those planning on using the park and ride service are encouraged to purchase in advance online.
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought online or can be purchased on the day of the event.