Coalburn Silver Band is to say a find farewell to their principal cornet player Calum Blair, who is to soon head to Finland to study for a Masters in Music at the acclaimed Sibelius Academy.

Calum joined Coalburn in 2015 from Barrhead Burgh and quickly became principal cornet. Since then, he has made a huge contribution to their success in qualifying for the Cheltenham National Finals on three occasions and in winning the 2023 Scottish First Section title in 2023 where he claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

A former principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, he also led the band from the end chair on their historic debut in the Championship Section this year.

He has brought so much to our band family, including wonderful performances, musicality, friendship, leadership as well as supporting the development of othersMD, Gareth Bowman

So proud

MD Gareth Bowman, who has twice presented him with the band's 'Player of the Year' accolade, said: "We're so proud of Calum and it has been amazing to see his incredible development as a player.

He has brought so much to our band family, including wonderful performances, musicality, friendship, leadership as well as supporting the development of others.

He added: "An exciting new chapter awaits him now and we'll be delighted to see what the future holds and to welcome him back to Coalburn in the future."

Be back

In response Calum added: "I'm incredibly sad to be leaving, but very much looking forward to moving to Finland. I know I'll be back and playing with Coalburn again in the future though."

Calum will be joined in Finland by former band member Jack Archibald who will also be studying at the Sibelius Academy from August.