An Ottawa man has won a prestigious bagpiping competition in Scotland.

Andrew Hayes won the gold medal at the Northern Meeting of the Highland Society of London's solo piping competition in Inverness, Scotland on Thursday.

The event is billed is one of the most prestigious solo bagpiping events in the world.

It attracts competitors from around the world including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Entrance to the gathering in Inverness in northern Scotland is limited: only around 100 competitors are allowed to take part.

Last month Hayes, who is also a practicing lawyer, led the Ottawa Police Pipe Band to a first place finish at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, Ont., east of Ottawa.