King Crowns His Old School Champions As He Reigns Over His First Braemar Gathering

Published by Gordonstoun on Friday 8th of September 2023

King Charles yesterday awarded the Championship Shield for the best pipe band to students from Gordonstoun School Pipe Band during the annual Braemar Gathering.

The King, a former student of the Moray school, presented the prestigious shield to Pipe Major Scott Oliphant and students Robert Lyall and Molly Warren.

The King recently chose four pipers from Gordonstoun to pipe him into St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, when he received the Scottish Crown Jewels in July.

The Gordonstoun Pipe Band consisted of 35 students, aged 12-18 years, from countries including the UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Thailand. The band performed eight times throughout the day to impress the judges.

Robert Lyall, a student at Gordonstoun and Pipe Band member, added:

“There was a great atmosphere at the Braemar Gathering, a real buzz, it is something I have been looking forward to for a while, so winning the shield and having The King present the award, especially with his connections to our school, made it all the more special and is a day I’ll remember for a long time.”

Lisa Kerr, Principal of Gordonstoun, said:

“It was such a thrill for our athletes and musicians to be back at the Braemar Gathering. Having been the last pipe band to be awarded the Championship Shield by Her Late Majesty, to be the first to receive the same trophy from King Charles was a remarkable honour. Our young drummers and pipers will long remember this very special day.”