AN EAST Ayrshire music group has been left stunned after finding out they are one of the top five bagpipe bands in the entire world.

The Kilmarnock Pipe Band, which is made up with many residents from Cumnock, were thrilled to scoop forth place at the World Pipe Band Championships.

They won hundreds of pounds for their performances which they have branded ‘the highlight of the season’.

The band which is led by local 32-year-old Karen Warren, who is already world champ, competed in Glasgow Green leaving judges impressed with their skills.

Karen said: “This was a massive win for us as we didn’t expect to be in the prize list in our first year out as a new band. Our section had 22 bands competing from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Belgium, Spain and America. The winners were Tullylagan from Northern Ireland.

“The Championships were held at Glasgow Green, and the weather was sunny but windy throughout the day, with a heavy downpour at the prize giving.

“This was the climax of the Pipe Band season and the band will have one final outing at Cumnock Highland Games in a non-competing platform.

“Playing on our home turf in East Ayrshire will be a fitting end to the season as we bring our prizes ‘home’.”

The band took home prize money of £600.