The usual three into two conundrum in Scotland saw Co-operative Funeralcare Band retain their Scottish title under the baton of Russell Gray.

two point margin

In the only ‘Area’ that still awards points, their commanding performance of ‘English Heritage’ gained a clear two-point margin over rivals Whitburn, who join them in London in October. Missing out this year will be Kirkintilloch.

The win was the Co-op’s seventh success of the Millennium confirming their position as the premier band north of the border, whilst it is now five years in a row that two of the ‘big three’ have made it to London.

The win was the Co-op’s seventh success of the Millennium confirming their position as the premier band north of the border4BR

First Section

In the First Section there was delight for Lochgelly and conductor Paul Drury as they claimed their first Scottish title since their Third Section triumph in 2003.

The band returns to Harrogate for the first time since 2005, and will be joined there by 2008 First Section winners, Bo’ness & Carriden.

Second Section

There were a number of high class performances to enjoy in the Second Section, where Dalkeith & Moktonhall conducted by former Whitburn flugel star Jim Chamberlain, claimed the title ahead of rivals Coalburn Silver.

Dalkeith won the Third Section in 2008, whilst Coalburn return to Harrogate for a second successive year after their Third Section triumph in 2009.

Third Section

There was a winning return to contesting in the Third Section for Kilmarnock Concert. There former Scottish Championship winners missed 2009, but under the baton of tuba star Craig Anderson, delivered a winning performance of ‘Labour & Love’ to pip Irvine & Dreghorn, who return to Harrogate for the first time since 2008.

Fourth Section

Although there was only a small field of six bands in the Fourth Section, there was plenty to enjoy for adjudicators David Thornton and Nigel Seaman, as they awarded the title to Dumfries Town directed by Peter Heyes.

It was their first triumph at the contest since 2003, whilst they will be joined in Harrogate by Langholm Town who produced a fine account of ‘Saint Saens Variations’ to mark their contest return after a 16 year absence by claiming second place.

Championship Section:
Sunday 14th March

Draw: 13.35
Commences: 15.05
Adjudicators Brett Baker & Chris Wormald

Result:
1. Co-operative FuneralCare (Russell Gray), 7 — 198
2. Whitburn (Steven Mead), 2 — 196
3. Kirkintilloch (Frank Renton), 8 — 195
4. Kingdom Brass (Andy Duncan), 4 — 194
5. Unison Kinneil (Allan Ramsay), 9 — 192
6. Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison), 1 — 191
7. Bon Accord Silver (John Maines), 6 — 190
8. Newtongrange Silver (Nigel Boddice MBE), 10 — 189
9. Clackmannan (Paul Kiernan), 5 — 188
10. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Charles Keenan), 3 — 187

*Top 2 bands qualify for Finals

Terris Medal for Best Cornet: Chris Bradley, Whitburn
Best Trombone: Mark Boyd, Bon Accord
Best Horn: Matthew Maines, Co-operative FuneralCare
Best Euphonium or Baritone: Andy McLean, Kirkintilloch
Best Basses: Kingdom Brass

First Section:
Sunday 14th March

Draw: 09.00
Commences: 10.30
Adjudicators: Dave Barringer & David Thornton

Result:
1. Lochgelly (Paul Drury), 7 — 190*
2. Bo'ness and Carriden Silver (Steve Sykes), 10 — 189*
3. Johnstone Silver (Raymond Tennant), 4 — 188
4. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson), 8 — 186
5. Newmilns and Galston (Alec McCutcheon), 3 — 184
6. Bathgate (Eoin Tonner), 6 — 183
7. Broxburn and Livingston (Andrew Duncan), 1 — 181
8. Campbeltown Brass (Craig Anderson), 9 — 180
9. Dunaskin Doon (John Boax), 5 — 179
10. Annan Town (APD) (David Shanks), 2 — 178

*Top 2 bands qualify for Harrogate

Thomas MacAuley Memorial Trophy for best horn player: Laura Mullen, Johnstone
Best Instrumentalist: Ben Hirons, soprano, Bathgate

Second Section:
Saturday 13th March

Draw: 14.40
Commences: 16.10
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman & Chris Wormald

Result:
1. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (Jim Chamberlain), 1 — 188*
2. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman), 11 — 187*
3. City of Discovery (Bruce Wallace), 8 — 186
4. Shotts St. Patrick's (Michael Marzella), 12 — 185
5. Tullis Russell (John Hinckley), 2 — 184
6. Barrhead Burgh (Lynda Nicholson), 9 — 183
7. Granite City Brass (Lt. Col. Robert Owen), 4 — 182
8. Croy Silver (Ken Blackwood), 5 — 181
9. Selkirk Silver (Mark Bell), 3 — 180
10. Jedforest Instrumental (Russell Gray), 10 — 179
11. St. Ronan's Silver (Charlie Farren), 6 — 178
12. Dunfermline Town (David Neil), 7 — 177

*Top 2 bands qualify for Harrogate

Best Instrumentalist: Joel Harding, cornet, Coalburn

Third Section:
Saturday 13th March

Draw: 11.00
Commences: 12.30
Adjudicators: Brett Baker & Dave Barringer

Result:
1. Kilmarnock Concert (Craig Anderson), 6 — 184*
2. Irvine and Dreghorn (John Boax), 4 — 183*
3. St. David's Brass (John Dickson), 10 — 181
4. Renfrew Burgh (David Hutchison), 11 — 180
5. Perthshire Brass (George Annan), 1 — 179
6. Bon Accord Silver 'B' (Richard Kidd), 7 — 177
7. Peebles Burgh (Alan Fernie), 5 — 175
8. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Gareth Bowman), 2 — 174
9. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Gordon Evans MBE), 3 — 172
10. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Mark Bell), 9 — 170
11. Dundee Instrumental (John Tonner), 8 — 169

*Top 2 bands qualify for Harrogate

Best Instrumentalist: Chris Griffin (trombone) MacTaggart Scott Loanhead

Fourth Section:
Saturday 13th March

Draw: 08.30
Commences: 10.00
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman & David Thornton

Result:
1. Dumfries Town (Peter Heyes), 4 — 185*
2. Langholm Town (Alan Fernie), 1 — 184*
3. Tayport Instrumental (Frank Culross), 2 — 182
4. Penicuik Silver (David McAuley), 3 — 180
5. Queensferry Community (James Anderson), 6 — 179
6. Dysart Colliery (Bill Sandall), 5 — 178

*Top 2 bands qualify for Harrogate

Youngest BBb Bass: Andrew Dick, Queensferry
Best Instrumentalist: Emma Irving (solo cornet) Dumfries Town