The recently crowned Scottish Open Champions, Scottish Co-op has ended the year on a high note with the news that the band's sponsoring groups, Scottish Co-op and Co-op Funeralcare, have agreed to provide additional funding for 2009.

Iain Howie is the Band's Representative with the Co-op Groups and is the man who has been instrumental in securing the additional funding following a lengthy period of negotiation with the Co-op management.

Long term stability

Iain commented to 4BR: "This funding, in addition to other secured funding streams, has secured the band's long term stability. I would wish to express my thanks to the Co-op for their continued sponsorship, especially in these difficult times, and also to band members Iain Chisholm, Ewan Millar and the current band administrator, Robin Basu for their support in our negotiations."

This funding, in addition to other secured funding streams, has secured the band's long term stabilityScottish Co-op Band

Popular choices

Iain added: "The decisions reached to bring in Russell Gray for the West Lothian Challenge and Michael Fowles for the Scottish Open have proved popular choices with the band and we look forward with optimism to Russell conducting the band at the Scottish Championships."

Fitting climax

The news of the additional funding provides a fitting climax to the band's year which has seen it pick itself up from a disappointing start in the Scottish Championships in March.

The securing of a base in the east end of Glasgow, the victories in the West Lothian Challenge and Scottish Open competitions and now the announcement about funding have all combined to give the band much hope and encouragement for the new year ahead.

Last but one

Last Sunday the band appeared in its penultimate concert performance of the year at Paisley Town Hall as guests of the Paisley Philharmonic Choir. The occasion was the choir's 20th anniversary Christmas carol concert.

Magnificent climax

Playing to a near capacity audience, band and choir provided a wide-ranging programme of Christmas and other music with the band conducted by Raymond Tennant.

After the almost obligatory performance of the 'Schneewalzer', everyone in the hall joined forces to sing 'Adeste Fideles' to bring the evening to a magnificent close.