The future is certainly looking bright for banding in southwest Scotland after the formation of a brand new youth band in Stranraer.

Stranraer Youth Training Band is preparing to help develop the next generation of brass playing talent in the area after it successfully applied for a start-up kit from the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), receiving 13 new instruments from Education Officer John Boax as it looks to welcome its first intake of players.

Delight

John told 4BR: "It was a delight to meet the team in Stranraer and hand over new instruments to this exciting new project. The young people who become involved will enjoy all the musical and social benefits which come with learning to play a musical instrument."

He added: "I know the young players taking their first steps in their brass band careers will enjoy a lifelong involvement with the movement and I look forward to welcoming them to SBBA events in the years to come."

The starter kit is a tremendous boost. We are extremely grateful to SBBA for this assistance and we look forward to welcoming young players to come and take their first steps learning a brass instrument with usDonald Walls

Tremendous boost

The band is the brainchild of founder Donald Walls, who will work with a team of adult helpers to deliver musical tuition to members.

Donald said: "The starter kit is a tremendous boost. We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Brass Band Association for this assistance and we look forward to welcoming young players to come and take their first steps learning a brass instrument with us."

Starter kit applications

Anyone looking to apply or find out more information about a SBBA starter kit should email Tom Allan, of the SBBA executive: TomAllan@sbba.org.uk