Performances notable for their musical graft and clarity claimed the honours at the 130th anniversary Scottish Championships.

The accolades though also came with imposing future travel costs for champions Granite City Brass, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie, who alongside fellow qualifiers now head to Cheltenham, whilst Whitburn's victory came with hotel brochures for London (with the cooperation band) and Linz for the 2026 European Championships to consider.

However, any future financial concerns were not at the forefront of minds after the results were announced at Perth Concert Hall. Instead, the celebrations were a reminder that becoming Scottish Champion still holds a cache well worth any price tag.

Championship Section:

That was obvious as Whitburn players lifted the Hannaford Jubilee Trophy plus a host of associated conductor, solo and ensemble silverware in triumph for a record 23rd time.

In another closely fought battle with defending champion, the cooperation band (winning the title 17 times between them since 2008), it was a winning performance marked by an extra level of ensemble and solo security as well as contest-nous.

Hallmarks

The hallmarks of Prof Nicholas Childs' 'Diversions' were obvious; stand out detail and clarity in technique allied to secure tempo and dynamic balances. Fine individual and ensemble contributions were also noted (and rewarded) as they gave the judges, Alan Fernie and David Barringer the quality attributes they were looking for in the box.

Prior to the results the duo spoke in appreciation of a work Alan described as "so, so difficult technically", although he added that the ten bands had "played it very well". "What we heard today was ten great brass bands," he added. "The playing was of a really, really high standard."

In what was a consistent theme of what David was looking for over the weekend (he also judged the First and Second Sections) he pointed to the written foreword to the score. "We were looking at that picture," he said. "Most of the bands played it — the top six really played it, and the top two really got after the story."

Player direction

Although Prof Childs was already making his way home by the time the results were declared (there was an unforeseen delay to the proceedings) and was unable to collect the Walter Hargreaves Trophy as Winning Conductor for a record 12th time, he ensured that any title accolades were directed to his players.

"As always they give everything I ask for," he said. "The desire to become Scottish Champion is incredible and their hard work has paid off again. To win again means a great deal and I'm sure they are already planning for more success in 2025 and in heading to Linz in 2026."

Euro focus

That European focus will now occupy runner-up, the cooperation band.

Led by Glenn van Looy, as they couldn't quite do enough to repel their rival with an account of richly defined character. However, despite picking up a trio of individual awards, little solo and ensemble errors were also more noticeable.

However, the obvious disappointment of losing their domestic bragging rights should be offset by a performance that holds them in good stead for the challenges of Stavanger under the baton of Katrina Marzella-Wheeler.

Clear margins

She ended her tenure with the Fife Band by leading them to their highest placed finish since 2012, courtesy of a rendition notable for its ensemble security and stylish musicality. They will now head to the Senior Cup in Blackpool in May infused with confidence.

The one-point margin of difference though between them and the cooperation band was clear, as was the two points that separated them from the rest of a field bedevilled by a lack of consistency in tempo, balance and dynamics that lost the essential lightness of touch and crisp wit that permeates the Bourgeois work.

The top-six was completed by hard working accounts from Bon Accord, Dalmellington and Coalburn, whilst the rest found a challenge perhaps beyond their true top section credentials.

First Section:

As has been the case around the country, Morley Calvert's 'Introduction, Elegy & Caprice' proved to be an imposingly concise musical puzzle to solve for the ten First Section contenders.

It was also one solved in appropriate fashion by Bruce Wallace who ended his tenure as MD with winner Granite City Brass with a performance of rock-like musical solidity, topped by the artistic cap-stones of their 'Best Instrumentalist' and 'Best Horn' award winners.

Heading to Cheltenham with them will be an equally strong compatriot in Newtongrange, as Anne Crookston brought her experience to bear on a rendition notable for its stylistic understanding and cultured delivery.

Clear insight

Mark Wilkinson (joined by David Barringer) laid out the adjudicators' deliberations with clear insight into the processes of their decision making.

"It's proved to be a really good test... and the standard was really good," he said, as he took time to pinpoint the unfamiliar contest elements that the score tested most. It was however, "good basic playing" — tuning, ensemble, pitch, dynamic, as well as consistency over the three movements that was key.

The remarks echoed their immediate written thoughts on the winning performance, with Mark describing Granite's account as one with "lots to admire". He further added that it had been a "well shaped reading from MD with confident soloists". David was equally impressed, calling it an "excellent performance with a 'stand-out' 'Elegy'".

Perfect finale

For MD Bruce Wallace it was perfect way to take a final bow from the podium "The standout quote I take from Dave Barringer's remarks was about the 'Elegy' as I'd told my band this would be where the contest was won and lost," he said.

"It's the best way to end. I started conducting the band with a win and now it has that fantastic ending. I'm not retiring, just taking a step back from this fantastic band and bunch of people."

On this form Granite City will make the 900-mile round trip to Cheltenham for the first time since 2014 packed with confidence.

Finely judged

Newtongrange pushed their rivals close with an appropriately well-judged take on the score by Anne Crookston.

As with Granite, it was the melancholic 'Elegy' that stood out, with just a few little clips in the outer sections perhaps the vital title winning difference. They will now head to the Senior Cup (and the National Final for the first time since 2017) as a band to be noted.

Behind them Calvert's score proved a stark test of both Championship Section aspirations and First Section credentials, although a neatly portrayed account from Newmains & District led by Paul McKelvie took the the final podium spot ahead of Newmilns & Galston, Kinneil and Lochgelly.

Second Section:

Although the funky groove rhythms of Oliver Waespi's 'Friendly Takeover' made for audience-friendly listening to kick-off the Perth weekend, it also proved to be a deceptively difficult challenge for the 11 competitors.

Adjudicator David Barringer (joined by Mark Wilkinson) wasn't wrong in his pre-result "brief overview" that didn't pull any easy punches.

"It was a real fantastic piece... not without its challenges", he said as he read the foreword to the score to emphasis the point that "fundamentally nobody quite got this… nobody really pulled it together".

He then went on to pinpoint the elements of harmonic change and emerging energy that was needed to really make the music come to life. "You all put on commendable performances," he said, before adding the telling epithet: "I think the piece won the day."

Hometown away trips

That echoed the written remarks — even for the winner Perthshire Brass led by Willie McMullan, who claimed their first Scottish title since 1993. The local favourites will have celebrated long and hard after deservedly securing a second successive trip to Cheltenham off the number 1 draw.

"A well thought out and balanced performance, that captured the style and harmonic pattern", David wrote, whilst Mark said that he found "lots to admire" with " good full sounds and secure soloists."

Those words meant so much to Perthshire stalwart George Annan, who added: "We really enjoyed working on the piece and Willie McMullan was simply wonderful in leading us. We're obviously delighted, but it was a big shock for us all as it's our best ever result at the Championships and means we get promoted for 2026.

We already had a trip to Germany to look forward to this year, so now we have to fit in another trip away."

Jedforest groove

Jedforest Instrumental will now have to plan for their first trip to Cheltenham for a decade as they secured second place thanks to their well worked 'groove' under MD Philip Rosier, aided by splendid solo lines, notably from 'Best Instrumentalist' flugel player Stuart Black.

Narrowly missing out (the judges later confirmed that the top four were closely matched) came from Irvine & Dreghorn conducted by Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale, with Croy Silver in fourth. The final top-six places in an engaging if challenging contest went to Campbeltown Brass and Broxburn & Livingston.

Third Section:

The filmatic elements of Jacob De Haan's 'Arkansas' score certainly made for an enjoyable battle between the ten bands in the Third Section on Saturday afternoon.

Adjudicator Alan Fernie (joined by Stan Lippeatt) was not alone in his thoughts that he would have loved to see the movie it could accompany as the contenders brought out its pioneering spirit of danger, beauty and adventure to life.

Best Picture

In the end, the 'Best Picture' accolade went to Renfrew Burgh, as Mark Good directed an uplifting account that Alan said, "had so much to enjoy" from what he said was, "a great band, with very good work from the middle and a performance of real merit from all." Stan summed up his remarks by simply calling it a "very good performance".

It also gave Mark his first victory at the contest since winning this event together in 2015 when they last qualified for Cheltenham. He later told 4BR: "I'm over the moon for the members of the band. It capped off an intensive period of preparation with a performance to be proud of.

Everyone deserved it, but there is a special mention to our flugel player Shona Jones. Her dedication and desire to progress saw her win the 'Best Instrumentalist' award."

Clear cut St Ronan

Renfrew will be joined on their trip south for the first time since 2013 by St Ronan's Silver.

Led by the experienced Mike Marzella they provided the judges with the second "clear-cut" qualifying performance of the day to finish just ahead of a well worked account from Highland Brass led by Mark Bell.

Thereafter, Stan confirmed that the performances that were "every bit as good as Yorkshire"made for closely matched placings with the final top-six spots going to Langholm Town, Peebles Burgh and Selkirk Silver.

Fourth Section:

The forces of Arbroath & Carnoustie (they joined together in late 2022) claimed the honours in what proved to be a joyfully uplifting Fourth Section contest.

It will be the band's first National Finals appearance under their new identity as MD Neil McDonald led them to Cheltenham on the back of a wonderfully evocative take of Andrea Price's 'I, Daedalus'.

"A very good performance", was how Stan Lippett described it in his written remarks, whilst fellow judge Mark Wilkinson said that it contained "lots to admire" — going to add his congratulations to the MD and soloists in what he called "a well-directed and structured performance".

Never give up

The victory had also come after what Band President Ann Ness admitted had been "a few turbulent years"- one that made the celebrations even more meaningful. "We've had changes of MDs and lost a lot of players.

Last year we were unable to compete but now look what has happened when you never give up, you have a brilliantly inspirational MD like Neill McDonald and players and supporters full of enthusiasm and drive."

Joy too for Stranraer Brass (who set off for the contest well before dawn) as led by their inspirational MD in Angela Miller they secured a second qualification in four years with a performance that also brought the colourful narrative tale of invention, hubris, despair and determination to life (aided by a super 'Best Instrumentalist').

Narrowly missing out on this occasion was Whitburn Heartlands, whilst there were thoroughly engaging accounts from the top-six finishers of Kirkton Brass Bathgate, Coalburn Intermediate and Hawick Saxhorn all the way to MacTaggart Scott Loanhead.

Pushing Forward

The Scottish Championships once again proved to be a fine mix of competition and community, with the inclusion of the non-competitive 4b Section showcasing the impressive youthful talent (with young NYBBS Ambassadors also part of the organisation team) that is now emerging on tap after years of long term investment by SBBA.

It now runs such a slick event that even the occasional hiatus in proceedings is more a chance to meet old friends than worry about conspiracy theories. The live-stream broadcast of the results also meant that the Scottish diaspora of banding ex-pats could enjoy the contest day atmosphere across the world.

Malcolm Wood

That was obvious as Whtburn players lifted the Hannaford Jubilee Trophy plus a host of associated conductor, solo and ensemble silverware in triumph for a record 23rd time4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: David Barringer, Alan Fernie

1. Whitburn (Prof Nicholas Childs): 196**
2. the cooperation band (Dr Glenn Van Looy): 195*
3. Kingdom Brass (Katrina Marzella Wheeler): 194
4. Bon-Accord Silver (Adam Cooke): 192
5. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan): 191
6. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman): 190
7. Bo'ness & Carriden (Phil Chalk): 189
8. Kirkintilloch Band (Hedley Benson): 188
9. Bathgate (Craig Anderson): 187
10. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Mareika Gray): 186

** Qualify for National Final and to represent Scotland at 2026 European Championships in Linz
* Qualify for National Final

Best Soprano: Scott Forrest (Whitburn)
Best Principal Cornet: Chris Bradley (Whitburn)
Best Flugel: Sarah Findlay (Kingdom Brass)
Best Horn: Chris Hamilton (the cooperation band)
Best Baritone: Carole Edney (the cooperation band)
Best Euphonium: Chris Flynn (the cooperation band)
Best Trombone: Joshua Parkhill (Dalmellington)
Best Bass: Graham Fraser (Whitburn)
Best Bass Section: Whitburn
Best Percussion Section: Whitburn

First Section:

Adjudicators: David Barringer, Mark Wilkinson

1. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace): 195*
2. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston): 194*
3. Newmains & District (Paul McKelvie OBE) : 193
4. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel): 192
5. Kinneil (Allan Ramsay): 191
6. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks): 190
7. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain): 188
8. Dunaskin Doon (Ralph Brill): 187
9. Clackmannan District (Paul Drury): 185
10. Johnstone (Joshua Parkhill): 184

Best Instrumentalist: Lewis Cato (euphonium) — Granite City Brass
Best Horn: Ben Williams (Granite City Brass)

*Qualify for National Final

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Mark Wilkinson, David Barringer

1. Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan): 194*
2. Jedforest Instrumental (Philip Rosier): 192*
3. Irvine & Dreghorn (Helen Douthwaite Teasdale): 191
4. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood): 190
5. Campbeltown Brass (Andrew McMillan): 188
6. Broxburn & Livingston (Bryan Allen): 186
7. Annan Town (Lewis Wilkinson): 185
8. Shotts St Patrick's (Charlie Farren): 184
9. St David's Brass (John A Dickson): 183
10. Tullis Russell Mills (John-Luke Harris): 182
11. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson): 181

Best Instrumentalist: Stuart Black (flugel) — Jedforest Instrumental

*Qualify for National Final

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Alan Fernie, Stan Lippeatt

1. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good): 190*
2. St Ronan's Silver (Michael Marzella): 188*
3. Highland Brass (Mark Bell): 186
4. Langholm Town (Chris Bradley): 184
5. Peebles Burgh (David McAuley): 183
6. Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black): 182
7. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Alistair Gibson): 181
8. Dysart Colliery (Robert Fraser): 180
9. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig): 179
10. Bon-Accord B (Harry Marshall): 178

Best Instrumentalist: Shona Jones (flugel) — Renfrew Burgh

*Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: Mark Wilkinson, Stan Lippeatt

1. Arbroath & Carnoustie (Neill McDonald): 185*
2. Stranraer Brass (Angela Miller): 183*
3. Whitburn Heartlands (Peter Holmes): 182
4. Kirkton Brass Bathgate (Paul McKelvie OBE): 181
5. Coalburn Intermediate (Gareth Bowman): 180
6. Hawick Saxhorn (Andrew Holland): 179
7. Dundee Instrumental (Bob McDonald): 178
8. Pencuik Silver (Jess Purbrick): 177
9. Dunfermline City Brass (Stephen Duncan): 176
10. Turriff Silver (Matt Bailey): 175
11. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Amy Paterson): 174

Best Instrumentalist: Euphonium (Stranraer Brass)
Youngest Player: Bb tuba — Arbroath & Carnoustie (aged 12)

*Qualify for National Final

Non-Contesting:

Section 4B
Adjudicator: Mark Good

Brass Central Strathearn (Tom Smith)
Barrhead Burgh (Alan Friel)
Clackmannan District Youth & Development Brass (Luci Lamb)
Forfar Instrumental (Donald Innes)
Stranraer Instrumental Training (Angela Miller)