Piping Champ bags third world Glenfiddich title

ONE of Scotland's top bagpipers claimed first prize at a major piping event last night.

Angus MacColl of Oban, below, was crowned the 37th Glenfiddich Piping Champion of 2010, at Blair Castle in Perthshire, having successfully competed against nine of the best solo pipers from across the globe.

Considered by the top pipers to be the ultimate accolade, the Glenfiddich Piping Championship is open only to those who have won major competitions during the past year. Winning the competition has earned MacColl the title of Champion of Champions in the world of piping.

The competition win is MacColl's third Glenfiddich Piping title, having previously taken the trophy in 2006 and 1995.

Last night, he said: "I am absolutely delighted to have won this year's Glenfiddich title. In the professional world of solo-piping, it is without doubt the most sought-after prize and it has been an incredible honour not just to win, but to compete alongside such exceptional talent. I'll definitely be celebrating this evening."

Peter Gordon, Chairman of William Grant and Sons Limited, said: "We've witnessed another incredible year of talent."