The dust is settling on the 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge – and what a day it was!
Twenty bands from the First to Fourth Sections took part in the prestigious contest on Saturday, November 22, with band members and supporters alike taking time to peruse the Band Supplies exhibition stand in the foyer of Perth Concert Hall.
When all was said and done, there was delight for Unite Scotland Kinneil Band after it came out on top, conducted by Allan Ramsay, following its performance of Peter Graham’s Essence of Time.
The outstanding performance of Kinneil’s principal cornet Dhani Miller won him the 4barsrest soloist award.
Taking the runner-up spot was Newmains and District, led by Paul McKelvie OBE, playing Un Vie de Matelot by Robert Farnon. Rounding off the podium places was Dalkeith and Monktonhall (James Chamberlain) with its rendition of St James – A New Beginning, by Philip Harper.
Reflecting on a busy day in Perth, Band Supplies’ managing director Ronnie Tennant commented:
“The 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge was a very successful day indeed, with a wonderful buzz around Perth Concert Hall. We enjoyed a lot of interest at our trade stand, and it was great to catch up with friends old and new."
“I’m delighted to see bands from all over Scotland supporting the contest. Our partnership with the Scottish Brass Band Association continues to flourish, and it’s a pleasure to sponsor a brass band event which is really thriving, so well done to all involved.”
Ronnie added:
“The success of the 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge was testament to the hard work of all the volunteers, including the wonderful Young Ambassadors, and the wider SBBA team, all of whom showed remarkable dedication so soon after losing two beloved members of the SBBA family in Julie Nicoll and Peter Fraser MBE.”
Full results
Adjudicators: Simon Greswell and Leigh Baker
- Unite Scotland Kinneil (Allan Ramsay) 196pts
- Newmains & District (Paul McKelvie OBE) 194pts
- Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain) 193pts
- Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley) 192pts
- North Lakes Brass (Denis Hadfield) 191pts
- Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel) 190pts
- Johnstone (Raymond Tennant) 188pts
- Lochgelly (Chris Shanks) 187pts
- Dysart Colliery Silver (Robert Fraser) 186pts
- Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black) 184pts
- Arbroath & Carnoustie (Neill McDonald) 183pts
- Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan) 181pts
- Barrhead Burgh (Alan Friel) 179pts
- Broxburn & Livingston (Raymond Tennant) 176pts
- Campbeltown Brass (Owen Pickering) 174pts
- Bon-Accord B (Harry Marshall) 173pts
- Dundee Instrumental (Bob McDonald) 172pts
- Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson) 171pts
- Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig) 170pts
- Shotts St Patrick's (Charlie Farren) 168pts
Best First Section band: Unite Scotland Kinneil
Best Second Section band: Perthshire Brass
Best Third Section band: North Lakes Brass
Best Fourth Section band: Arbroath & Carnoustie
4Barsrest Award for best soloist: Dhani Miller (cornet) Unite Scotland Kinneil
Paul Dornan Memorial Award for best principal cornet: Clare Letham (Dysart Colliery)
Anthony Hope Memorial Trophy for best horn section: Dunaskin Doon