Both of our bands took part in the branch band competition held in Livingston on the 30th March 2024. This competition also had solo piping and drumming events. The drumming events included the RSPBA Scottish Solo Snare and Solo Tenor Drumming events.

Our Novice band is pictured above performing in the Novice B grade. The band came 7th overall in a strong competition field. The band continues to improve with every contest. Every outing gives the new members more experience which will help as we work towards our first major championship of the year in Bangor.

Above is a picture of our juvenile band performing in the grade 2 contest. The juvenile band took part in the juvenile grade and also played up to grade 2. We were missing piping tutor Lee Moore, so we had Ruari Black step in the take on the band for the day. Ruari is a former member of the band, so it was nice for him to be back and to take the band on for the day. The band managed to come 2nd in the juvenile grade came 1st in the grade 2 contest. The grade 2 contest was against adult bands. This for me showcases the sheer strength and talent in all of the juvenile grade bands. The level is extremely high.

Solo Piping and Drumming Results

Below are the results of the solo piping and drumming events.

Event 1 – Junior Chanter

4th Place – Tom. H

Event 2 – Junior Chanter

1st Place – Francesco. R

Junior Stick and Pad Event

4th Place – Blake. D

It was great to see some of our younger beginners taking part in the above events. They all played well and show that the future is in good hands.

Event 5 Junior Solo Piping

3rd Place – Charlie. M

Event 13 Tenor Drumming 15yrs and Under

3rd Place – Kian. B

RSPBA Scottish Juvenile Tenor Solos

1st Place – Kayla. M

Pictured above Kian, Kayla and Charlie

Our juvenile LD for the day, Daniel.

Our Scottish Juvenile Tenor Champion Kayla pictured with drumming tutor Simon Grant and juvenile piper Kirsten. Simon and Kirsten accompanied Kayla in the tenor event.

It was a great day overall and all band members enjoyed themselves. We now look forward to a week off for Easter before we start our annual Easter school at Loretto on the week of the 8th April.

Simon Grant

Drumming Tutor