HUNDREDS of young musicians have gone head-to-head in the world’s largest schools piping and drumming competition.

Youngsters from 152 schools around Scotland – including 72 pipe bands and freestyle ensembles – descended on Kilmarnock for the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships (SSPBC).

The competition was established by Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to showcase the talent of young musicians and to help reignite the nation's passion for the instrument.

SSPDT chief executive Alexandra Duncan said: “It was brilliant to see 800 youngsters show their passion for the Scottish tradition of piping and drumming. We hope this will inspire other schools to get involved next year and keep our proud musical heritage growing.”