The future is bright for a Perth & Kinross band in Scotland after it secured a funding boost to help nurture the next generation of musical talent.

Brass Central Strathearn, based in Crieff, has received a starter grant from the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), with recruitment plans now well underway. The funding award has been used to purchase instruments for players who will be tutored by Clare Haddow, principal cornet player of the band.

Tremendous boost

Band Manager Jim Wishart, told 4BR: "The starter kit is a tremendous boost. We are contacting all schools in the area and have a number of young players who are benefiting from the opportunity to learn a brass instrument.

We are self-funded through donations from local businesses and subscriptions from band members, so we are extremely grateful to the Scottish Brass Band Association for helping us play a part in looking after the future of the brass band movement in Perth & Kinross."

It gave me great pleasure to meet with the organisers in Strathearn, where the potential for young talent to flourish is clearJohn Boax, SBBA Education Officer

Great pleasure

John Boax, SBBA Education Officer, added: "It gave me great pleasure to meet with the organisers in Strathearn, where the potential for young talent to flourish is clear.

The benefits of playing a brass instrument are wide-reaching and have a tremendous impact on a young person's development."

He added: "I know the young players taking their first steps in their brass band careers will enjoy a lifelong involvement with the movement and I look forward to welcoming them to SBBA events in the years to come."