Newly crowned Scottish First Section champion, Tullis Russell Mills has announced the appointment of Paul Kiernan as their new Musical Director.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "This is a fantastic appointment and we are really looking forward to working with Paul."

39 year gap

The appointment comes as the band starts its fund raising preparation for the National Finals in Cheltenham and its return to the Championship Section in 2017 after a gap of 39 years, whilst they have also been boosted by a grant award of £20,000 and confirmation of charity status.

Last April the band lost its sponsor of 96 years when the Tullis Russell Paper Mill closed.

However, through the hard work and resilience of their management team, the band has made sure the immediate negative news was turned into a positive future outlook — something which their Scottish Championship victory under the baton of conductor Raymond Tennant showed.

through the hard work and resilience of their management team, the band has made sure the immediate negative news was turned into a positive future outlook4BR

Excited

Paul Kiernan is certainly excited by that future, as he told 4BR: "I'm very excited to be joining such a forward thinking and talented band, and we have some fabulous contests and projects to look forward to.

Paul will take up his new position on the 25th April and will work closely with current resident bandmaster Ross Brotherston.