Scottish banding is still celebrating one of the most successful weeks in its recent contesting history — with Whitburn's fine runner-up prize at the British Open in Birmingham followed by a wonderful Fourth Section National title for Newmains & District at Cheltenham on the weekend.

In fact, Scotland enjoyed its best ever return at the Finals since the year 2000.

Victory

Not only was Newmains victory the first tartan success at Fourth Section level since 1973 (with Dysart Colliery coming a fine seventh), First Section representatives Bathgate and Newtongrange came runner-up and sixth respectively in the First Section.

Dalkeith & Monktonhall was third in the Second Section, and there were top-ten finishes for St David's Brass and Irvine & Dreghorn in the Third Section.

Contrast

In contrast, it was the first time that Welsh banding hadn't claimed at least one National title since 2012, whilst the North West added a further two to its total thanks to victories for Boarshurst and Pemberton Old Wigan DW with Yorkshire also celebrated another addition to their list of champions thanks to BD1 Brass.

In fact, Scotland enjoyed its best ever return at the Finals since the year 20004BR

Whitburn influence

Interestingly, Whitburn's influence was felt in the Scottish successes at Cheltenham, with Anne Crookston (Bathgate), Andrew Duncan (Newtongrange), James Chamberlain (Dalkeith & Monktonhall) and Mike Marzella (Newmains) all having a previous or current conducting association with the band.