THE foundations have been laid down for what could become an annual pipe competition involving the community in the Wee County.

Dollar Community Development Trust and Dollar Academy had joined forces with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) to organise a competition on Saturday, May 20.

The town and academy grounds were buzzing with life as 44 bands visited from across the country for a total of 57 performances and eight drum major displays.

Rather than hosting a simple school competition, organisers banded together to make it a joint effort and a day for the whole community in what has been described as a success.

The highlight of the day was an all-bands display to crown the proceedings, explained the development trust's Chris Hudd.

He told the Advertiser: “Load and loads of people from the community were there – particularly in the afternoon.

“The highlight of the day is obviously the massed pipe bands display which was at the end of the day.

“It's very difficult to estimate numbers but Dollar Academy grounds were pretty well full of people, watching the massed pipe bands at the end in particular.”

Feedback from all sides has been positive and Chris said the pipe band association has already asked for a repeat next year.

Also enthusiastic were the caterers and similar who came along who were asked to make a donation to the development trust if they had a good day trading.

Some £600 has also been received which will go on to benefit the community.

Cafés and businesses are also believed to have had a good day trading.

“I've already had expressions of interest from a number of the main caterers who were there on the day, the pipe band association definitely want to come back,” added Chris, a trustee who focuses on events at the development trust.

“I haven't seen a response from Dollar Academy formally yet but I know the feedback from the deputy rector was extremely positive about the day.

“I think we can probably pretty well guarantee the event will happen next year because all three parties that were involved thought it was a positive and enjoyable event – almost certainly one that will become a feature of the Dollar events calendar going forward.”

And looking ahead, Chris and the development trust are gearing up for Dollar Gala on Saturday, June 3.

The day will involve a parade from the academy to Newfield where a funfair will wait for children along with traditional games, a craft market in the marquee, a fully stocked bar and much more.