The Scottish Co-op Band has announced that Russell Gray has agreed to conduct them in the forthcoming semi-final of the West Lothian Challenge on Sunday, 1st June.

The band will do battle with Kirkintilloch and Kinneil for a place in the final on Sunday, 22nd June.

Looking forward

Band Manager Iain Howie, told 4BR: "I am delighted that Russell has agreed to conduct the band at the West Lothian Challenge. He last conducted us to win the Scottish Open in 2003 and the band members are looking forward to working with him again."

My last association with the band was in 2003 when it won the Scottish Open Championship playing 'Paganini Variations'Russell Gray

Happy time

Russell himself commented; "My last association with the band was in 2003 when it won the Scottish Open Championship playing "Paganini Variations". That was a happy time which I enjoyed very much and I am really looking forward to working with the band again."