Over 100 pipers from across the world have taken to the streets of Glasgow to mark the opening of the 16th annual Piping Live! Festival.

While it's not uncommon to ​hear the drone of the pipes through Glasgow's Buchanan Street, Monday morning shoppers and commuters were greeted with around 130 pipers in the city centre.

Musicians travelled from as far as Canada and New Zealand to take part in the opening of the annual fest, which brings over 45,000 visitors from across the globe to the city.

The Piping Live! Big Band marched from Blythswood Square along West George Street to George Square. They saluted Lord Provost Eva Bolander, before she herself picked up her own pipes and joined in.

She performed Highland Cathedral in front of the City Chambers in George Square.

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The Big Band were also joined by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Novice Juvenile Pipe Band, featuring 11-year-old tenor drummer Emily Gormley, the youngest member.

This year, the festival's parade is in aid of the Heart of Scotland Appeal from Heart Research UK.

The rest of the festival will feature performances by international acts from countries including New Zealand, Malaysia and Cana, and will see the return of contested Masters Solo, International Quartet and Pipe Idol competitions.

Roddy MacLeod, festival director of Piping Live! said: We are delighted to welcome so many pipers and musicians from all over the world to this year’s Piping Live!. We’d like to thank Scottish Fire and Rescue Novice Juvenile Pipe Band for kicking off our biggest festival to date in style.

"We also thank Lord Provost Eva Bolander for not only being our Piping Live! 2019 Chieftain, but for performing alongside our Big Band, many of whom have travelled thousands of miles for this festival.

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This week we welcome tens of thousands of people from across the globe to Glasgow to enjoy the very best piping and trad music in the world, as well as some fantastic family events. We really do have something for everyone and can’t wait to welcome you all.“

The Lord Provost said: I’m looking forward to Piping Live! and the Worlds. They’re marvellous celebrations of bagpipe music and bring people, from around the world, together. 

"I’m delighted to be able to join in and have been practising furiously after a long break. It’s great fun and a wonderful sight to behold pipers sporting tartan from every corner of the globe.”