The 2025 Scottish Festival of Brass was rounded off in Perth on the weekend with the vibrant music making heard at the Scottish Youth Championships.

It proved to be a St Andrew's Day to savour with a remarkable level of performance from 25 bands in four sections — Novice, Intermediate, Development and Non-competitive — each enjoyed by a supportive audience as well as adjudicators Anne Crookston, Glyn and Helen Williams.

Breath of fresh air

After the Novice Section, Glyn remarked that it had been, "a breath of fresh air to see the young players take to the stage", whilst he also congratulated the conductors on their choices of music that showcased good basics of ensemble balance and tuning — especially from the Gold award winners.

Meanwhile, Helen added: "Well done to everyone. It was so nice to sit back and listen to what is happening next — it's the future. You all should be proud of what you have contributed today."

Absolute pleasure

Following the Intermediate Section, Anne said that it had been, "an absolute pleasure" to hear players perform with confidence. She made special mention of the kit players who she said; "had worked so hard and done a fantastic job". She added: "Congratulations. It has been such a great joy."

The Development Section Gold Award and first place went to Whitburn Youth Band, conducted by Caroline Farren, whilst the Intermediate Section saw success for Galashiels Youth Band directed by Stuart Black.

In the Novice Section, it was Kirkton Youth Band led by Karen Heenan who took the top Gold Award and first place.

Best seats in the house

It was left to Helen Williams to sum up the day. "Glyn and I have had the best seats in the house today," she said. "The bands have been magnificent — fantastic people and fantastic musicians. Thanks to the conductors, teachers and parents for their encouragement and support and getting the young instrumentalists to practise every day!"

Her final message to the youngsters was to urge them to further their musical journey by signing up to the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland to benefit from great tutors, soloists and musical directors.

The bands have been magnificent — fantastic people and fantastic musicians. Thanks to the conductors, teachers and parents for their encouragement and support and getting the young instrumentalists to practise every day!Helen Williams

Results:

Development Section:

1. Whitburn Youth Band (Caroline Farren) — Gold Award

Gold Awards:
Campbeltown Brass Development (Katrina Barr)
Irvine Youth Band (John Boax)

Silver Awards:
Newtongrange Junior Band (Alan Fernie)
Perthshire Youth Brass (Willie McMullen) — winner

Bronze Award:
Scottish Borders Youth Brass (Alan Fernie)

Intermediate Section:

1. Galashiels Youth Band (Stuart Black) — Gold Award

Gold Awards:
Coalburn Bronze (Jim Park)
Loanhead Brass Youth Band (Alan Fernie)
Tweed Valley Youth Brass (Keith Belleville)

Silver Awards:
Stranraer Brass Training (Angela Miller)

Bronze Awards:
Campbeltown Brass Intermediate (David Cosgrove)
King's Park Junior Brass (Emily Stokes)
Kirkintilloch Youth Band (Katherine Adams)

Novice Section:

1. Kirkton Youth Band (Karen Heenan) — Gold Award

Gold Awards:
Cupar Brass Bandits and Wizards (Alison Milne)
Hawick Saxhornettes (Stuart Black)
Kinneil Youth Band (Scott Gardner)
Maroon Brass (Stuart Black)

Silver Awards:
Clackmannan District Beginners (Luci Lamb)
Loanhead Brass Roots and Newtongrange Junior Band (Alan Fernie)
Perth & Kinross Brass (Elaine Stewart)

Bronze Awards:
Broxburn & Livingston Future Brass (Jim Bone)
Irvine & Dreghorn Brasslets (John Boax)

Non-competitive Section:

St David's & Penicuik Joint Youth Band (John A Dickson)