The ambitious Penicuik Band has announced a brace of players to the ranks in time for their assault on the Scottish Championships in March.

Signings

Gill French, currently a member with the non contesting bands Galashiels Town and St Boswells Silver, joins on second horn, whilst Laura Friel, formerly with Croy Silver takes on the solo trombone role to fill the void left by Ian Forrest who has moved onto euphonium.

MD Stuart Black told 4BR: "It's great to have these guys on board. Both are very keen players and are going to be great additions as we look to strengthen the band. I wish them both an enjoyable and successful tenure with Penicuik."

It's great to have these guys on board. Both are very keen players and are going to be great additions as we look to strengthen the band. I wish them both an enjoyable and successful tenure with PenicuikMD, Stuart Black

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The band also had to say a farewell to one of their players this week.

Katherine Forrest said goodbye to the band this week after being offered the chance to go to Germany to begin a placement out near Berlin.

Stuart added: "It's a shame to loose Katherine but it's such an amazing experience for her that she couldn't pass up. It will be a shame not to have her at the Scottish Championship with us, but we wish her all the best and look forward to seeing her again when she comes over for a visit."