Scottish Co-op Band conducted by Russell Gray took the domestic entertainment honours at the West Lothian Festival Final on the weekend.

Praise

Adjudicator Stephen Roberts was full of praise for their winning programme that started with 'The Corsair', followed by Leslie Howie's sparkling rendition of the 'Finale from Violin Concerto' by Mendelssohn. Kenneth Downie's 'Peace' was followed by 'Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite' march, the all girl solo feature 'Girl Talk', 'Goin to sit right down and write myself a letter', 'Pepetuum Mobile', 'Prelude to 49th Parallel' and the 'Finale' from 'Year of the Dragon'.

Favourite tag

Whitburn, conducted by Andrew Duncan just failed to live up to their tag as favourites to take the title, and their programme of 'Silverado', the trombone solo 'Stardust', 'HRH The Duke of Cambridge March', the '3rd Movement of Severn Suite', 'It Don’t Mean A Thing', 'Miss Otis Regrets', 'In Perfect Peace', 'Scarlet Ribbons' and 'Peterloo Overture' saw them finish two ponts behind the eventual victors.

Result:
1. Scottish Co-op (R. Gray) — 196pts
2. Whitburn (A. Duncan) — 194pts

Other prizes

The Best New Composition award went to 'A Scots Miscellany' by Alan Fernie played by Newtongrange, whilst the best Ensemble piece was 'Buglers Holiday' played by Scottish Co-op. The Best Soloist award went to Alec Philip Whitburn for his performance of 'Stardust' in the final.