ERSKINE youngsters are celebrating after scooping a first place at The Boys’ Brigade’s Annual Scottish Bands Contest.

Members of 1st Erskine company took part in the competition on on Saturday, April 23 at The Brunton, Musselburgh.

The event, which attracted over 250 young people, aged from nine to 18, is in its 37th year and is a highlight of The Boys’ Brigade calendar.

The young musicians took home first place for their drill, department and turnout within the open contest category.

The band has only been together for four years, and came runners-up in the UK Novice Championships last year.

Lee Rush, 16, drum major with 1st Erskine Company band, said: “It’s my first contest.

“In fact, I only started with the band two months ago. We are going to be playing at ‘Beating Retreat’ at Edinburgh Castle and also the British Championships in June.”

Around 500 spectators attended the competition over the course of the day, with bands attending from Companies in Ayrshire, Dundee & Angus, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Dunfermline, South Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.

There were ten different categories available, offering participants of all ages and skill levels to showcase their talents.

The bands performed for Councillor Jim Gillies, depute provost of East Lothian Council, Major General Mark Strudwick CBE, retired British Army officer and Bill Stevenson, director for The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland.

Bill Stevenson, director, Scotland, The Boys’ Brigade, said: “Once again each band displayed some exceptional skills and we all got the chance to hear some fantastic music." It was a great opportunity to see not only to see young people enjoying themselves, but the audience all entertained.

“Music continues to play an integral part in The Boys’ Brigade, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough for making the event such a special day.

“It was evident how many very young band members there was this year. This gives us great encouragement for the development of music in The BB.”