Young musicians from North Ayrshire have won the gold award in the Scottish heat of the National Concert Band Festival.

The North Ayrshire Schools’ Senior Concert Band were awarded with the “fantastic achievement” at the competition in the Garnock Community Campus on Sunday, January 22.

The band, comprising pupils from Garnock Community Campus, Greenwood Academy, Kilwinning Academy, St Matthew’s Academy, and Largs Academy, made their impressive return to the competition after four years.

Ronan Watson, North Ayrshire’s music service manager and the group’s mentor, said: “I’m immensely proud of our talented young people.

“Their hard work and commitment paid off as they performed to their absolute best.

“This is the first time the Senior Band have played since 2019 and to win a Gold Award is a fantastic achievement.

“Many thanks to our instructors, music leaders, support staff and families for the team effort involved in assisting the Senior Band to achieve this award.”

The band blew away the judges as they played the Star Wars/Raiders March Medley by John Williams, The Big Easy Suite by Martin Ellerby, and ABBA Gold, arranged by Alan Fernie.

Brass player Niamh Milne from St Matthew’s Academy was given the spotlight for her solo as she performed Ballad for Trumpet by Bill Holcombe.

After their great performances, the band will now progress to the nationals in Manchester’s Northern College of Music this April.