GLASGOW has achieved a major tourism boost after securing the future of the World Pipe Band Championships in the city for the next seven years.

More than 200 bands and thousands of spectators travel to the annual event at Glasgow Green in August, generating millions of pounds for the economy.

Now the city council has been told it can keep the championships until 2021 after its bid saw off a rival offer to host it from Belfast.

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association chief executive Ian Embleton said: "We were delighted to have received an outstanding bid from Glasgow to be host city for the World Pipe Band Championships once again."

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, who is also chairman of the city marketing bureau, said: "Glasgow is Scotland's cultural powerhouse and this uniquely Scottish event is one of the cornerstones of the city's events calendar.

"We are looking forward to welcoming pipers, drummers, band supporters and spectators every bit as much as they are looking forward to coming here ."