There was both encouraging and disappointing news reported by the Scottish Brass Band Association at its recent Annual General Meeting.

Whilst presentations were made to the 'Bands of the Year', as well as special Innovation, Performance, and Outstanding Achievement Awards, it was also reported that due to a loss of external funding, a number of planned youth and community-based activities had been unable to proceed.

Not successful

In her address, SBBA President Carrie Boax stated that the loss was "disappointing, particularly given the preparation undertaken and the clear appetite for such initiatives", adding that, "SBBA has sadly not been successful in securing financial support for 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) and education activities."

She stated: "Whilst so very disappointing and somewhat frustrating, our hard-working sub-committees have already met to consider alternative ways to continue to meet deliver quality outcomes for our members. We know that the next steps will not be easy but must be made."

Wider trend

In giving context she added: "This situation reflects a wider trend affecting national music and arts organisations, not only within the UK but across other countries, where financial pressures have led to reduced support for community and youth-focused programmes."

Carrie continued: "Despite these challenges, there remains cause for optimism. The enthusiasm shown by the players within our bands and the commitment of volunteers who continue to provide opportunities at a local level, demonstrates the resilience of the brass band movement in Scotland."

She concluded that SBBA would, "continue to explore alternative funding routes and partnerships, while advocating strongly for the value of brass banding within the wider cultural landscape."

Diamond people

Thanks were given to those who continue to support SBBA activities, with Band Supplies, Besson and, more recently, Bergerault singled out for their commitment, whilst others were also noted.

Important figures recently lost to the Scottish banding movement were also remembered, in John Wallace CBE, Peter Fraser MBE and Julie Nicol, whilst the current team was thanked for their outstanding support and dedication — referred to as "diamond people".

SBBA will continue to explore alternative funding routes and partnerships, while advocating strongly for the value of brass banding within the wider cultural landscapeCarrie Boax, SBBA, President

Elections and awards

In the official AGM business, Secretary and Registrar Tom Allan and Vice-President Ann Murray were re-elected as SBBA trustees unopposed, whilst the new committee of Georgia Adamson, Lesley Crumlish, Brian Hutchison, Damian Martin, Lynsey McIlwraith, Freya McLeman, Jim Milligan, Lorraine Quinn, Tom Smith and Jim Wishart were elected.

The 2025 Bands of the Year, the cooperation band (Championship), Unite Scotland Kinneil (First Section), Perthshire Brass (Second Section), Renfrew Burgh (Third Section) and Arbroath & Carnoustie (Fourth Section) were presented with their deserved award.

The Innovation Award was presented to Fife Daytime Brass, an initiative aimed at retirees, students, shift workers, stay-at-home parents, home workers looking for an escape and retired or returning players.

The Performance of the Year Award went to Arbroath & Carnoustie Band for becoming the Fourth Section Champion Band of Great Britain, whilst the Outstanding Achievement Award went to the cooperation band.