Whitburn winners in annual awards

Whitburn Band has announced its award winners for 2025. Solo Horn Andrew McMillan was named Player of the Year, while Scott Forrest on soprano took the Players’ Player of the Year recognition. Iain Fleming was celebrated as Bandsperson of the Year.

Andrew’s award comes after a fantastic year in which he was the musical voice of ‘Keli’, a landmark National Theatre of Scotland show, during its Scottish tour with acclaimed performances in Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Glasgow.

He graduated from his performance course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and Whitburn was delighted to accompany him during his final recital.

Scott’s recognition comes after being voted for by his fellow players. He was awarded after another memorable year on soprano cornet in which he won the Best Soprano prize at the Scottish Championships and had a stand-out performance at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in London where the band finished in fourth place.

As well as performing in the band’s horn section, Iain is a true stalwart of the band and since he has returned to Whitburn in the past year he has been a true example of a brilliant bandsperson, and continues to make a significant contribution to the band on and off the stage.

Whitburn was also delighted to recognise long service for two of its players - Paul Kiernan and Neill Gourlay.

Paul has celebrated 10 years with the band. Originally joining Whitburn in 1988, he returned in 2016 and has led the trombone section through many great performances, as well as celebrating his 20th Scottish Championships win last year.

Neill has celebrated 20 years with the band. He has been part of the Bb bass section with brother Alan during this time and serves as the band’s treasurer. His work in this role has been outstanding, ensuring the band can continue to compete at the highest level across Europe.

Whitburn’s development bands also announced their award winners for 2025:

Whitburn Youth Band Player of the Year – Eilidh Stephenson; Bandsperson – Ruby Morrison; and Most Improved Player – William Luke

Whitburn Heartlands Band Players’ Player of the Year – Eilidh Stephenson; and Bandsperson - Ruby Morrison

The awards night concluded with a presentation to Charlie and Caroline Farren for their continued work with the whole organisation. As well as playing in Whitburn Band, Charlie conducts the Wee Band and is band chairman, while Caroline conducts the Youth Band. They are both recognised as a driving force for the success of Whitburn's player pathway system.