Kinneil play their way to top WoS entertainment prize

The dreich conditions outside the Walker Halls, Troon, were in stark contrast to the warmth and brilliance of the playing at yesterday’s West of Scotland entertainment contest.

A full day of creative and skillful musicianship from 17 bands ended with Unite Scotland Kinneil taking the top prize under musical director Paul Drury and winning the William Beardsmore Shield (cover photo).

Adjudicator Brett Baker was effusive in his praise for the playing he had listened to during the contest.

“It’s been a long day,” he said, “but thoroughly enjoyable. I love visiting Scotland although this is my first time in Troon.

“We have witnessed some great soloists, a high standard of percussion playing and inspiring programmes of music.”

His choice of the second placed band was Coalburn Silver, conducted by Gareth Bowman, and in third spot was Irvine & Dreghorn Brass, under their new MD Joshua Parkhill, who also took the prize for the most entertaining programme as determined by Councillor Donald Reid.

Donald said it had been an absolute pleasure to listen to 17 concerts in one day!

Unite Scotland Kinneil players celebrate their West of Scotland contest victory

The full results are:

1. Unite Scotland Kinneil (Paul Drury) 96 pts

2. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) 94 pts

3. Irvine & Dreghorn Brass (Joshua Parkhill) 93 pts

4. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan) 92 pts

5. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks) 91 pts

6. The Kirkintilloch Band (Hedley Benson) 90 pts

7. Campbeltown Brass (Andrew McMillan) 89 pts

8. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel) 88 pts

9. Newmains & District (Paul McElvie OBE) 87 pts

10. Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley) 86 pts

11. Johnstone (Raymond Tennant) 85 pts

12. Coalburn Intermediate (Gareth Bowman) 84 pts

13. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson) 83 pts

14. Broxburn & Livingston (Caroline Farren) 82 pts

15. Shotts St Patrick’s (Charlie Farren) 81 pts

16= Irvine & Dreghorn Community Brass (Tony Connolly) 80 pts

     Barrhead Burgh (Alan Friel) 80 pts

Best principal soloist: Lynsay Dunn, Irvine & Dreghorn Brass

Alex McCutcheon Quaich for best bass section: Dalmellington

Jim and Mary Stewart Trophy for most entertaining performance: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass

Best championship band: Coalburn Silver

Best 1st section band: Unite Scotland Kinneil

Best 2nd section band: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass

Best 3rd section band: n/a

Best 4th section band: Coalburn Intermediate

Dalmellington retained the Alex McCutcheon Quaich for the best bass section