There is a strong international field of contenders all looking to lift the Scottish Open title in Perth on the weekend.

The contest rounds off a busy fortnight of action at Perth Concert Hall, following last weekend's Band Supplies Scottish Challenge event. Saturday sees the senior event commence at 12.30pm when the first of the 19 bands takes to the stage to perform one of three works from the pen of Edward Gregson.

Edward Gregson works

Bands can choose either his 1977 National Final test-piece 'Connotations', 'Dances & Arias' (used at the Albert Hall in 1984), 'Rococo Variations' (used at the British Open in 2008) or 'Of Distant Memories' (used at the National Final in 2013)

The defending champion Whitburn will be looking to make it five victories in a row at the event which first took place in 2003.

They are up against former champion Co-operative Funeralcare, as well as challengers from over Hadrian's Wall in the shape of East London Brass, Elland Silver, EYMS, Fishburn (who won the event in 2005), Pemberton Old, Rainford, Rothwell Temperance and Wantage Silver, whilst Welsh representation comes from Northop Silver and the overseas challenge of welcome visitors Atlantic Brass Band.

All will be looking to catch the ears of judges Frank Renton and Steve Sykes.

Youth focus

The contest will be preceded by the Percussion Section of the Scottish Youth Festival at 9.30am, whilst the main sections of the youth event take place the following day when bands in the Preparatory, Novice and Development Sections take to the stage.

Prior to the Scottish Open results, there will be a performance from Brett Baker and the University of Salford Graduation Band.

The defending champion Whitburn will be looking to make it five victories in a row at the event which first took place in 20034BR

Competitors

Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa)
Bathgate (Dr David Thornton)
Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)
Bo'ness & Carriden (Lee Skipsey)
Co-operative Funeralcare (Michael Fowles)
Dalmellington (Nigel Boddice MBE)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
EYMS (Stig Maersk)
Fishburn (David Hirst)
Kirkintilloch (Raymond Tennant)
Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
Newtongrange Silver (Andrew Duncan)
Northop Silver (John Doyle)
Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ben Dixon)
Rainford Band (Gareth Brindle)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Wantage Silver (Paul Holland)
Whitburn Band (Prof Nicholas Childs)