Ayrshire bagpiper Gordon Walker has been acclaimed as the world’s top piper.
The 42-
The select event is run annually by the Lewis and Harris Piping Society in memory of the the Hebridean pipe major who commanded an international reputation for his playing, and teaching.
He was also a outstanding, prolific composer and his tunes have become modern classics.
Only eight of the world’s most successful bagpipers are exclusively invited to participate in the special contest.
Gordon Walker was astonished to have won the most points in two out of three sections to gain the title on Friday night.
He said: “These are top quality, well respected judges. I was just happy to get through my tune.
“At the end of the day it could have gone to any one of the pipers. They are all great.”
His constant beaming grin broadcasted his delight with the win which “is a great honour. This is amazing, truly great. I was very surprised to get first.”
Gordon Walker previously won the World’s Masters contest in 1998. He is no stranger to the international piping competition circuit having, last year alone, picked up top prizes in New York, the Uist and Barra, Lochabar Gathering and the Northern Meeting.
He heads the piping programme at St Columbas School in Kilmalcolm and is also the Pipe Major of the Muachline and District Caledonia Pipeband in Ayrshire.
The Donald Macleod World Master’s event only went ahead this year after an anonymous donor stepped in with a generous cash gift.
Master of ceremonies Dr John Smith said “This made the difference in having the competition.
He added: “There was a new level of excellence in this year’s competition -
“It reflects the standing of the event amongst pipers and the audience.
There was a packed hall at the day-
World’s Master piper 10/4/10
Competition MC Dr John Smith (right ) congratulates world master piper Gordon Walker