Young musicians from Renfrewshire honed their skills by taking part in Scotland’s biggest brass band school.

Members of Johnstone Band and Renfrew Burgh Band were among 150 like-minded instrumentalists who headed to the small Perthshire village of Forgandenny to attend the National Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) residential summer course.

Held at the Strathallan School, it featured players aged from nine to 22, split into three bands – children’s, reserve and senior.

Brass and percussion players from as far afield as Shetland and Stranraer took part in the summer school, where the emphasis was on having fun.

Practice sessions and full band rehearsals provided the chance for some serious music making, while ‘extra curricular’ events brought a more lively element to the course.

Outdoor activities included treasure hunts and a silent disco.

The NYBBS summer course is supported with funding from Creative Scotland through its Youth Music Initiative.

There was also an open day for young brass players who are considering joining NYBBS. This enabled potential candidates to spend time with musicians of a similar age, as well as being guided by musical directors.

The fruits of the NYBBS players’ hard work was showcased at two end-of-course concerts staged at the Albert Halls, in Stirling, on Saturday.

Carrie Boax, course co-ordinator and SBBA president, said: “It is a real honour and privilege to know that, at the end of the week, our musical directors, tutors and pastoral staff have made a small but positive difference to the musical journey of every youngster who attends our summer school and helped them make memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”

For more information, visit https://www.sbba.org.uk.