One of Whitburn's longest serving players has recently found success at the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships.

Illustrious career

Chic Cullen, who has had an illustrious career with the band on cornet, was declared the new Scottish Solo Champion after wowing the judges James Gourlay and Michael Dodd.

Former principal

A former principal cornet player with Whitburn, Chic has won two Terris medals for the Best Cornet player at the Scottish Championships during his ten year spell on the top chair.

Everyone in Whitburn is absolutely delighted for Chic. He has had many near misses in this contest and for him to finally win it is fantasticWhitburn Band

Near misses

Whitburn Band President Alex Vidler told 4BR: "Everyone in Whitburn is absolutely delighted for Chic. He has had many near misses in this contest and for him to finally win it is fantastic.

"Chic is an ideal role model for younger players. Following his win at the Scottish solos, he came straight to a three hour rehearsal at Whitburn. That is the kind of guy he is."

Mature success

Chic also picked up the prizes for the 'Best Cornet Player' and the 'Best Soloist over the age of 40'.

Iain Fleming, the band' solo horn player, also found success at the championships after finishing third overall and picking up the prize for the 'Best Horn'.

Innovative

Meanwhile, in the 16-21 section, Hayley Edmond (cornet) won the prize for the 'Most Innovative Choice of Music' after her performance of Première Solo by Gabriel Parès.