Four young Scottish players weree relieved that the Eyjafjoell volcano in Iceland began to subside at the end of last week as they flew to Linz to take part in the European Brass Band Championships.

Youth Band

Hayley Edmond, Eoin Tonner and Nicole Waddel joined up with the European Youth Brass Band who commenced their week long course on Sunday, and which will culminate with a performance in the Gala Concert on the final night of the championships.

Eoin who plays cornet, recently won the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize at the British Youth Brass Band Championships, whilst Hayley is a talented flugel horn player with Whitburn and West Lothian Schools Bands. Nicole is a trombonist with Bathgate and West Lothian Schools and will soon commence studying at Birmingham Conservatoire.

It will be a great experience playing with the EYBB and meeting other players from all over EuropeHayley Edmond

Great experience

Before she flew out, Hayley told 4BR: "It will be a great experience playing with the EYBB and meeting other players from all over Europe. Some of my friends have played with EYBB in the past and had a brilliant time and I am delighted to be representing Scotland in the band this year."

Different mission

Meanwhile, Ross Knight from Carnoustie is travelling to Linz on a different mission.

He was invited and part sponsored by SBBA to represent Scotland in the European Solo Championships. Ross who won the Scottish Solo and Slow Melody, as well at the 21 and under solo titles at this year’s Besson Scottish Solo Championships is fast becoming an established soloist.

The 17 year old told 4BR: "I can’t wait to get to Linz, I am really looking forward to competing against the top solo players in Europe and hope that I can do Scotland proud."