Scottish banding has been shocked by the announcement that the Kirkintilloch Band will not compete at the forthcoming Scottish Championships in Perth (above) in March.

The five time winner of the title stated that the difficult decision had been taken due to 'factors beyond our control', and that although they have a 'very committed core group of players' they admit that they have struggled to sign a number of key vacancies such as principal cornet and solo euphonium.

Grand Shield focus

Although Kirkintilloch has not enjoyed the same level of recent success that it once did, the band qualified for the Royal Albert Hall in 2013, was at the British Open as recently as 2015, and has retained its position in the Grand Shield — a contest that they are now focusing their sights on, as their spokesperson told 4BR.

"Having exhausted all possibilities, the band committee has reluctantly decided on this course of action to focus on retaining the band's position in the Grand Shield in Blackpool in May,"they said.

"It's hoped that this will allow time for the band to recruit replacements to fill the vacant seats and ensure a full return to the contesting arena thereafter."

Having exhausted all possibilities, the band committee has reluctantly decided on this course of action to focus on retaining the band's position in the Grand Shield in Blackpool in MayKirkintilloch Band

Contact:

Any players wishing to join the band should contact John Needham (Mobile: 07775 823026). All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.