Dysart Colliery Silver Band has announced that their project, 'Believe' has received a funding award of £7,259 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland's 'Open Project' fund.

It is the latest boost to an innovative project that sees the band focus on engagement with new and existing audiences, as well as fellow bands, and also in developing players and building collective confidence in rewarding musical ways.

Already successful

It has certainly proven successful, and was kick-started by their wonderful Fourth Section win at the Scottish Championship earlier this year — their first success at the contest since 1921.

The band will now head to Cheltenham boosted by the financial support, as Band Treasurer Alison Chapman told 4BR: "We are thrilled to have received funding from Creative Scotland,"she said. "It follows out first win at the Scottish Championships since 1921 and our first appearance at the National Finals since 1945, so it is a very big thing for us."

Alison added: "Without Creative Scotland's support, it just wouldn't be possible. It's not about winning; it's about working together to be the very best that we can be, and we are delighted that we will be able to represent Scotland together in September."

Creative Scotland is delighted to support Dysart as they head to the National Championships, with not just Kirkcaldy and Fife but the whole of Scotland cheering them onCreative Scotland

Whole of Scotland

Meanwhile, Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland added: "The mines of Fife take a proud place in Scotland's industrial heritage. Although the pits are quiet today, the bands that emerged as such a vital part of the Kingdom's communities continue to make plenty of noise.

Creative Scotland is delighted to support Dysart as they head to the National Championships, with not just Kirkcaldy and Fife but the whole of Scotland cheering them on.

Their achievement so far has been fantastic and, as they reach new audiences, the future looks very bright."