Scottish Co-op has announced that former principal cornet player, Jim Hayes, is set to return to the band to lead their bid to win the West Lothian Challenge title for the third year in a row.

Semi final appearance

Jim's first appearance will be at the semi-final on 1st June, when the band will compete against Kirkintilloch and Kinneil for a place in the final on 22nd June.

He was a major reason for the band's success in the previous two contests and we are looking forward to him teaming up with the band and Russell Gray againBand Manager, Iain Howie

Major reason

Band manager Iain Howie told 4BR: "Everyone in the band is delighted that Jimmy has agreed to return to the band with the target of achieving a hat-trick of victories in the West Lothian Challenge. He was a major reason for the band's success in the previous two contests and we are looking forward to him teaming up with the band and Russell Gray again."

Delight

Jim stated: "I am delighted to be able to play with the band again and I hope I can help them to a win in the semi-final and to a third consecutive victory in this competition. The five years I spent with the band as principal cornet were among the happiest of my banding career and and I am really looking forward to meeting and working with my Co-op friends and colleagues again."