As reported on 4BR, the recent Scottish Championships in Perth saw a remarkable victory for Dysart Colliery Band in the Fourth Section under the baton of Ross Brotherston.

96 years

Not only did the win gain the band promotion to the Third Section and give horn soloist Fiona Dick a richly deserved 'Best Instrumentalist' accolade, but it also saw them claim their first Scottish Championship title — in 96 years of trying.

Their last win came in 1921, and although they came second in 1968 they never went to the National Finals — so this win sees yet another remarkable first in that respect too.

Finest result

Spokesperson Rev. Ron Rye told 4BR: "This is the finest result for Dysart Colliery since that 1921 win.

We have had ups and downs since, including not being able to compete for nearly ten years following the demise of the local coal industry, so it has been a long road back to this remarkable moment."

now we can at last say we are Scottish Champions. The long wait has been well worthwhileSpokesperson Rev. Ron Rye

Well worthwhile

He added: "In 2007 Bill Sandell became the first conductor for many years to get Dysart back on the contest stage and was followed by the late Bruce Fraser who took us to a great podium finish at the Scottish championships in 2013.

Last year though we aimed to cement our growth and engaged Ross Brotherston, who came with such enthusiasm and passion to try and restore belief in the band. What he has done has been nothing short of remarkable — and now we can at last say we are Scottish Champions. The long wait has been well worthwhile."