Although the purse strings of Scottish banding may be stretched at present, the annual gathering of its clans in Perth provided ample evidence to the Holyrood grant providers of its vibrant case for a funding infusion.

54 senior bands and five non-competitive ensembles (up from even pre-covid levels) also displayed impressive evidence to suggest that qualifiers will travel to York and London later this year confident of bringing home more than just podium place cash rewards.

Championship Section:

That will be the hope of Whitburn, as they claimed the Scottish title for a 24th time with an 'Elgar Variations' of notable quality under Florent Didier.

"A performance of great musicality and stature (with) superb soloists", was the written summing up of adjudicator Chris King, whilst his colleague John Doyle called it, "a cracking show" — "so well prepared and executed".

Aided by a slew of individual and ensemble accolades it gained a single point margin of victory over the cooperation band, in what was a ding-dong battle reminiscent of the rugby at Murrayfield 24 hours earlier.

French victory

However, on this occasion there was a French led victory to celebrate as Whitburn also secured the invitation to represent the nation at the 2027 European Championships in Montruex.

Florent Didier later posted on Facebook that it was, "a wonderful feeling" to wake up as Scottish champion, and that he was "deeply honoured" to have been presented with the Walter Hargreaves Trophy as winning conductor. He even kept the picture of himself at Murrayfield with his scarf (Whitburn played the National Anthems before the game) — although that result wasn't mentioned...

Two outstanding

Adjudicator Chris King gave a detailed pre-results assessment, where he made it clear that there has been "two outstanding bands" vying for the title. Behind them, those in third and fourth were "very close" as they battled for the additional Albert Hall berth, with those lower down showing "varying degrees of success".

John meanwhile pinpointed the "little tinkers"on percussion and their need to be integrated alongside secondary solo lines (rep, first horn etc).

Few supporters of the cooperation band however could mount a persuasive argument that the Hannaford Jubilee Trophy title did not deserve to remain in West Lothian rather than return to Glasgow.

The prizes for 'Best Cornet' for Whitburn's Chris Bradley (a record 10th time), Andrew McMillan (horn), Valentin Duc (euphonium) and trombone (Paul Kiernan) set against their 'Best Bass' (Dean Logan) and 'Best Basses' rather revealed the title destination before the result was announced.

Refined

Whitburn's 'Elgar' had a refined presence, almost Parisian chic in places in its tailored phrasing and air of nonchalant ease. Although there were occasional "in-offs" as John Doyle called them, they didn't detract for the overall characterisation.

It was high quality playing, deserving of the title, although they will know they will need to build on it if they are to make a mark at the Europeans and Grand Shield in a few weeks' time.

The margin may have been a single point, but it was a clear one, as the cooperation band never sounded totally at ease in drawing a passionately framed, excitable account under Glenn Van Looy.

At times the playing thrilled with its intensity, bubbling drive and crisp articulation, but it also contained noticeable minor flaws. They will now have to wait until 2028 at least for a renewed tilt at the European crown, although they will still be confident of making their mark at the Open, National Finals and in defence of their Brass in Concert title.

Kirky celebrations

If there was one band that celebrated as long as Whitburn into the Perth night it was Kirkintilloch, as their third-place under Chris Binns (their best result for a decade) saw them head to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time since 2013.

After overcoming a bumpy period in their proud history it was a wonderful result, and one their much-missed former President, Peter Fraser MBE, who passed away last year, would have raised a wee dram to.

Missing out

The band just missing out on what would have been a first London trip since 1981, was Dalmellington, who delivered arguably the most engaging 'Elgar Variations' of the day under Erik Janssen. The prizes for 'Best Percussion' and the new Peter Fraser MBE Trophy for fourth place showed just how close they came.

Elsewhere, the performances reflected the "episodic" challenges encountered on Martin Ellerby's cleverly characterised score — blocks of good playing set against other of inconsistency.

Coalburn (aided by their sparkling 'Best Sop' player Richard Bromley) and Bon Accord eventually secured the remaining top-six places ahead of Newtongrange (with Kenny Crookston taking the 'Best Flugel' quaich) Bon'ess & Carriden, Kingdom Brass and Granite City (with Eilidh James winning the 'Best Baritone' medal).

First Section:

Kirkintilloch Kelvin impressively claimed the First Section title, as led by Mareika Gray they lifted the Archie Smith Memorial Trophy with a fine account of 'Variations on 'Was Lebet'.

Interestingly, the previous weekend Mareika hadn't found favour with adjudicator John Doyle at the First Section Area contest in Blackpool. However, speaking to 4BR at the Yorkshire Championships the day after the Scottish victory, she revealed that instead of changing her musical approach, it actually gave her extra confidence that it was "the right way to go".

Correct instincts

Her musical instincts proved well founded, as Kirkintilloch secured a clear winning margin, with John (joined by Chris King) informing the pre-results audience that if conductors or players had been in Blackpool to hear what he had to say there, it may have held them in equally good stead.

"The points John made highlighted areas to work on rather than my musical interpretation approach, so I was confident my approach was the right way to go," Marieka said. "The players were great, worked their socks off and did exactly what was required on stage. They did themselves proud."

Indeed they did (aided by 'Best Horn' Rebecca Ritchie) as the MD's thoughtful appreciation of tempo relationships, stylistic nuance in the waltz and spacious fugue marked it out against contenders, the top four of which John said, could "easily been sent"to the National Final.

Neatly constructed

Those were led by a neatly constructed account from runner-up Lochgelly, as MD Chris Shanks brought stylistic subtly to the fore to gain a Finals place for the first time since 2010. Their splendid bass trombonist Jim Bone took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Just missing out though was Dalkeith & Monktonhall in third, with Scottish Challenge Shield champion, Unite Scotland Kinneil Band in fourth — both giving the judges plenty to think about in the box with their well-executed approaches.

The remaining top-six places went to Dunaskin Doon and Bathgate, as John endeared himself to the audience by remarking that after listening to 27 performances of Andrew Wainwright's work in the last six days, he was convinced that Scottish banding was more than on a par with the North West.

Second Section:

The Johnstone Band returned to the top of the prize podium at the Scottish Championships for the first time since 2018, as they secured the Second Section honours in fine style.

Their confident, colourful rendition of Philip Harper's, '20,000 Leagues under the Sea' had a filmatic soundtrack quality from start to finish, as under the informed steering of Raymond Tennant in the role of a commanding Captain Nemo, they not only repelled giant squid, but also the maelstrom of 10 well prepared rivals.

Buzzing

Understandably they later took to Facebook to say they were "buzzing", whilst also taking the opportunity to pay tribute to their female players (on what was International Women's Day) as they look forward to promotion to the First Section in 2027.

They added: "It's been quite the ride over the last few years, but we're delighted that under our inspirational MD Raymond Tennant we're back to winning ways! Thank you to all of the band's supporters for your encouragement and support! Onwards to York in September!"

Best from rest

In a contest where all the bands provided performances of technical solidity, it was the more aesthetic elements that separated the best from the rest according to judges Philip Littlemore and Alan Duguid.

Alan said that what set the best bands apart from those that were able to "do what was on the tin", was the clarity of detail, dynamic contrast (especially with the quiet dynamics), and quality of the soloists (although he said the overall standard was excellent).

Youthful drive

That was certainly the case with Johnstone, whilst there was much to enjoy with the approach of Campbeltown Brass whose youthful drive powered them to their first Finals appearance since winning the National title in 2022.

Any disappointment at not claiming victory will be perhaps offset by the slightly less arduous journey to York rather than Cheltenham in September.

Annan Town showed their contest improvement by claiming a first podium finish at the contest since 2020, whilst the remaining top-six places went to Renfrew Burgh, Broxburn & Livingston and Irvine & Dreghorn, with seventh placed Croy's fine euphonium player Tony Jarvie taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' medal.

Third Section:

"A beautiful choice of piece", was the description of 'Three Haworth Impressions' adjudicator Chris King used in his address before the results were announced for the Third Section.

However, beauty apart, it also required getting the basics of the 'Maslow hierarchy' of musical needs he also referred to — from the intonation at the opening (and throughout) to dynamic balance.

That was reinforced by John Doyle, who said there had been, "some lovely performances", as he praised soloists and cornet players in particular, although he also added that it was "quality of sound"and tempo choices that were also essential elements in deciding the destination of the title.

Stand out winner

For them, there was "one stand-out winner that gave us everything that we wanted — everything in the right place with musicality and space". The quality of newly crowned champion Selkirk Brass was further endorsed by an overwhelming four-point winning margin.

It was thoroughly deserved; Stuart Black's band displaying admirable ensemble solidity, classy soloists (led by 'Best Instrumentalist' Isla Gillespie), tonal balance and texture. The MD also gave a little masterclass in the art of considered conducting — nothing overdone or showy, just clear, informed and authoritative, and all from the number 1 draw.

Significant victory

Looking back on such a significant victory they later wrote on their Facebook page: "The band produced its best performance on the contest platform." Hopefully there will be more to come as they look forward to making the trip to the National Finals for the first time since 2023.

St David's day

Joining them will be St David's Brass, as John Dickson's band made an immediate positive impression after relegation last year to reach the Finals for the first time since 2017.

Behind them Langholm Town can now look forward to promotion to the Second Section after coming third, whilst the remaining top-six places of highly encouraging playing from each of bands, went to Kilmarnock Concert and Brass Sounds Inverclyde.

Fourth Division:

The long term investment in a solid competitive foundation has seen impressive progress made over the post-covid period by SBBA. 13 bands took to the stage (up two from last year), close to the level enjoyed a decade ago.

Playing standards are also on the up, with a number of young conductors inspiring equally young performers. With five bands also taking part in the non-competitive Section 4B, little wonder there were plenty of smiles to be found around Perth Concert Hall.

High praise

The inclusive atmosphere at the results was enhanced by the young Section 4B adjudicator Joshua Parkhill who was full of praise for the players of Brass Central Strathearn, Broxburn & Livingston Future, Clackmannan District Youth & Development, Forfar Instrumental and Montrose Town.

Fourth Section victory on 'Indian Summer' went to Bon Accord B (their second in three years) with super performance of narrative character (and on "how to do the basics and do them well"as adjudicator Chris Shanks stated) that came to life under MD Harry Marshall.

Confident

After coming third in Cheltenham last year, they will be confident of perhaps going a couple of places better this time in York. Their classy euphonium star Hannah Noble took the 'Best Instrumentalist award.

Joining them for the first time will be Coalburn Intermediate (a striking example of the success of youth investment) as Gareth Bowman inspired his young troops.

Just missing out though was Dysart Colliery, although they posted their best Perth result since 2022, whilst there a great deal to enjoy from each of the other contenders — from the top-six finishers of Kirkton Brass Bathgate, Irvine & Dreghorn Community Brass (making their debuts) and Barrhead Burgh down to MacTaggart Scott Lonhead.

Mark James and Iwan Fox

Whitburn's 'Elgar' had a refined presence, almost Parisian chic in places in its tailored phrasing and air of nonchalant ease4BR

Result:

Championship Section:

Set Work: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)
Adjudicators: Chris King; John Doyle

1. Whitburn (Florent Didier): 192**
2. the cooperation band (Dr Glenn Van Looy): 191*
3. Kirkintilloch (Chris Binns): 188*
4. Dalmellington (Erik Janssen): 187
5. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman): 186
6. Bon-Accord Silver (Adam Cooke): 185
7. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston): 184
8. Bo'ness & Carriden (Phil Chalk): 183
9. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner): 182
10. Granite City Brass (Raymond Tennant): 181

* Qualify for National Final
** Pre-qualified for National Final and receive an invitation to represent Scotland at the 2027 European Championships in Montreux, Switzerland

Best Solo Cornet: Chris Bradley (Whitburn)
Best Soprano: Richard Bromley (Coalburn Silver)
Best Flugel: Kenny Crookston (Newtongrange Silver)
Best Horn: Andrew McMillan (Whitburn)
Best Baritone: Eilidh James (Granite City Brass)
Best Euphonium: Valentin Duc (Whitburn)
Best Trombone: Paul Kiernan (Whitburn)
Best Bass: the cooperation band
Best Bass Section: the cooperation band
Best Percussion Section: Dalmellington

First Section:

Set Work: Variations on 'Was Lebet' (Andrew Wainwright)
Adjudicators: Chris King; John Doyle

1. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Mareika Gray): 192*
2. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks): 190*
3. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain): 189
4. Unite Scotland Kinneil (Allan Ramsay): 188
5. Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley): 187
6. Bathgate (Craig Anderson): 186
7. Newmains & District (Paul McKelvie OBE): 184
8. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel): 183
9. Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan): 182
10. Jedforest Instrumental (Philip Rosier): 181

Best Horn: Rebecca Ritchie (Kirkintilloch Kelvin)
Best Instrumentalist: Jim Bone (Bass Trombone) — Lochgelly

* Qualify for National Final

Second Section:

Set Work: 20,000 Leagues under the Sea (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Alan Duguid; Phillip Littlemore

1. Johnstone (Raymond Tennant): 192*
2. Campbeltown Brass (Owen Pickering): 191*
3. Annan Town (Lewis Wilkinson): 190
4. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good): 189
5. Broxburn & Livingston (Stephen Malcolm): 188
6. Irvine & Dreghorn (Joshua Parkhill): 187
7. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood): 185
8. Clackmannan District (Paul Drury): 183
9. Tullis Russell Mills (John-Luke Harris): 182
10. Shotts St Patrick's (Charlie Farren): 181
11. Highland Brass (Bruce Wallace): 180

Best Instrumentalist: Euphonium (Croy Silver)

* Qualify for National Final

Third Section:

Set Work: Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)
Adjudicators: Chris King; John Doyle

1. Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black): 190*
2. St David's Brass (John A Dickson): 186*
3. Langholm Town (Chris Bradley): 184
4. Peebles Burgh Silver (David McAuley): 182
5. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson): 181
6. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Caroline Tennant): 179
7. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig): 178
8. St Ronan's Silver (Michael Marzella): 177
9. Arbroath & Carnoustie (Neill McDonald): 176
10. Stranraer Brass (Angela Miller): 175

Best Instrumentalist: Cornet (Selkirk Silver)

* Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Set Work: Indian Summer (Eric Ball)
Adjudicators: Alan Duguid; Phillip Littlemore

1. Bon-Accord B (Harry Marshall): 194*
2. Coalburn Intermediate (Gareth Bowman): 192*
3. Dysart Colliery Silver (Robert Fraser): 190
4. Kirkton Brass Bathgate (Paul McKelvie OBE): 189
5. Irvine & Dreghorn Community Brass (John Boax): 188
6. Barrhead Burgh (Alan Friel): 187
7. Penicuik Silver (Jess Purbrick): 186
8. Turriff Silver (Matt Bailey): 185
9. Dundee Instrumental (Bob McDonald): 184
10. Whitburn Heartlands (Peter Holmes): 183
11. Hawick Saxhorn (Greig Murray): 182
12. Dunfermline City Brass (Paul Dickens): 181
14. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Amy Paterson): 180

Best Instrumentalist: Euphonium (Bon Accord B)
Youngest BBb Bass Player: Jamie Wallace (Penicuik Silver)

* Qualify for National Final