Whitburn, twice winners of the Scottish Open contest, have confirmed that they have withdrawn from this year’s event to be held in Perth next month.

Clash

A stated clash of engagements and the prospect of working towards new aims and objectives has meant that the band will instead be seen performing at the Scotland versus South Africa international rugby match on the same day as the contest.

Exciting changes

In a statement, a spokesman said: "Whitburn Band is currently making some exciting changes to it’s leadership and direction, and this is taking a lot of our focus over the coming months. As a result, we have regretfully decided to withdraw from the Scottish Open to focus on these endeavours in the short term."

They added: "Our withdrawal also allows the band to fulfil a prestigious long-term commitment to the Scottish Rugby Union to play the anthem at the Scotland versus South Africa rugby international at Murrayfield Stadium, which is on the same day as the contest."

Whitburn Band is currently making some exciting changes to it’s leadership and direction, and this is taking a lot of our focus over the coming monthsWhitburn Band

Return

The spokesperson concluded: "Whitburn still regards the Scottish Open as an important contest having won the event twice in the past few years. We plan on return next year and wish SBBA and the rest of the competitors well for this year's event.

We hope to have some exciting announcements about the band in the very near future."