Members of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band's junior band are proving they have what it takes to be champions after placing in the top three at the North Berwick Highland Games in Scotland last weekend.

Following in the footsteps of the senior SFU Pipe Band, one of the best in the world, the Robert Malcolm Memorial (RMM) Grade 3 band took second place in its category, while its drum corps claimed first prize.

Competing for the first time in Scotland, the RMM Grade 4 band also placed third among novice-juvenile bands.

Band members range from nine to 16 years in age.

"We bring them to events like this in preparation for the Worlds, so they can get a sense of the atmosphere, the expectations and the precompetition pressure," said Jack Lee, Grade 4 pipe major and pipe sergeant of the elite Grade 1 band.

"It's exciting to be here," said Grade 4 drummer Sarah Ickert. "We've worked so hard, and that makes it all the more worthwhile."

The bands also participated in a march past the Duke and Duchess at the end of the competition.

The Grade 1 band will compete on Saturday.

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