Yvette Ludvigsen THE countdown to the world's foremost piping event officially began yesterday, as bands from all over the world gathered in Glasgow for the traditional salute to the chieftain.
Six bands gathered in George Square for Beat the Retreat, a series of individual performances in the run-up to today's World Pipe Band Championships.
The bands came from as far afield as Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Pakistan and the United States.
For the grand finale, the massed bands gathered in George Square for a rousing performance of Highland Laddie for the salute to this year's chieftain, Bob Winter, Lord Provost of Glasgow.
The event is a yearly tradition marking the official welcome of the bands to Glasgow and the championships by the chieftain.
The Worlds, as the championships are known, have been associated with Glasgow since 1948.
Organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), the event recognises the best of traditional Scottish music and culture.
This year 225 bands will take part, with 51 coming from overseas.
Around 8000 pipers and drummers will compete throughout the day while an expected audience of around 30,000 spectators look on.
The championships kick off at around 9am on Glasgow Green.
Other events throughout the day will include highland dancing competitions, drum major competitions, highland games heavy events and traditional craft fairs.
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