Douglas receives his Solo Championships trophy at long last!

The senior winner of last year’s Scottish Open Solo Championships, cornetist Douglas Couchman, has received his trophy – at long last!

The original cup was last awarded in 2019 but, during the intervention of Covid, it had gone missing. And despite the best of efforts, the silverware could not be traced.

The errant award has now been replaced with a new trophy – and it was at Whitburn Band’s recent awards presentation ceremony that Douglas received his quaich from band chairman Charlie Farren (pictured, below).

Unfortunately, the trophy will not be in his possession for very long as it will be presented to a new winner in two months’ time – unless, that is, he takes the top award again!

Last year was the first time in five years the Open Solo Championships had been held and the event will now play a significant part in this year’s and future Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships.

The senior category, for which there is no pre-qualifier, will take place immediately after the Youth finals at the Bellshill Salvation Army Hall ML4 1AT. The number of entries will be capped to 12 so early application is required. Get your entry form here.

Entry fee for the Open Solos is £10 and should be paid in advance to the Scottish Brass Band Association,  Sort Code 80-08-85,  Account No 00797191. Please add a payment reference OS2025/Name of Entrant

The Area Association qualifying events for the Youth Solo and Ensemble Championships start this weekend:

Saturday 1 February – Scottish Borders, Northern Counties and West of Scotland.

Saturday 22 February – East of Scotland

Sunday 23 March – Fife Charities Band Association

There are still some trophies missing from the 2019 competition, so please search your trophy cabinets and mantelpieces and let SBBA vice president Ann Murray know at sbbavp@gmail.com if you have found any.