Dysart Colliery Silver Band will look forward to life in the Third Section in 2018 — their first promotion to the level in 50 years, with the appointment of a new MD in Kenneth Letham.

A graduate of the now Royal Scottish Conservatoire, Kenneth played trombone for the likes of Lochgelly, Kelty, Kingdom Brass, Bo'ness & Carriden and Co-operative Funeralcare Bands, before performing on cruise ships all over the world.

He currently works as a brass instructor in schools throughout Fife and has also enjoyed successful conducting spells with Lochgelly, Shotts St Patrick and MacTaggart Scott Loanhead.

Inspired

He told 4BR: "It had been my intention to take a break from conducting, but having come to help out over the Christmas period the band really inspired me.

There is such a lot of potential here and I wanted to see how far we could progress together."

There is such a lot of potential here and I wanted to see how far we could progress togetherKenneth Letham

Appeal

The band's media co-ordinator Rev. Ron Rye added: "Kenny has undeniable musicianship and a pedigree that speaks of both a desire to win and also bring out the best from the players he leads.

He is a teacher as well as such a hard working conductor and it was this makeup that appealed to us. We are all excited about the future as we enter into the Third Section and to welcoming Kenny on his concert conducting debut with us this weekend."