Kilmarnock drummer wins third championship in a row

Nov 13 2009 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard

A KILMARNOCK man has won the world solo drumming championship title for the third year in a row.

Barry Wilson, 37, a member of the ScottishPower Pipe Band, retained his crown in front of a sell-out crowd at Glasgow Caledonian University.

The drum sergeant, of Elmbank Avenue, joined the band in 2002, and has been drumming for 28 years. His partner Kineta also plays in the band.

Barry had high hopes of making it a hat-trick at the championships after taking the top title in 2007 and 2008, but to actually achieve it took some doing.

He said this week: “To win it once was a dream come true but to get it another twice in succession is just an absolutely amazing feeling. It’s a habit I don't want to have to give up anytime soon.”

Chris Armstrong, pipe major of the ScottishPower band, said: “We are thrilled for Barry.

“He is dedicated to his skill, and his hard work and commitment have paid off.

“He really deserves this award and our fingers are crossed for him for next year.”

Barry has won the juvenile title twice in the past, and has rarely been out of the top six in the adult championships over the last 18 years.

Heather McDonald, ScottishPower’s group sponsorships manager, said: “ScottishPower has sponsored the pipe band since 1989 and we are particularly delighted with the achievements of the band over the last 12 months.

Barry’s success ends a year where the band moved to number seven in the world rankings. Barry’s dedication and unrivalled talent are something we can all be proud of.”