Campbeltown conductor celebrates Scottish championship success

Judge Alan Fernie wrote: “So much to enjoy here – great band, with very good work in the middle, and a performance of real merit from all. Thank you.”

Reflecting on the occasion, Mark, aged 34, said: “I’m over the moon for members of Renfrew Burgh Band, who capped off an intensive period of preparation with a performance of which they could be proud.

“We now look forward to competing at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham in September, and earning promotion to the second section from January 2026.”

In a busy weekend, Mark returned to Perth Concert Hall the following day to adjudicate section 4b, offering feedback to all the bands involved at the event, organised by the Scottish Brass Band Association.

The success with Renfrew comes after former Campbeltown Grammar and Dalintober Primary School pupil Mark conducted Riverside Youth Band to its seventh Scottish Youth Brass Band Championship title towards the end of last year.

Mark, who grew up playing with Campbeltown Brass, lives with his family in Inverclyde.

Campbeltown musicians enjoyed success across the Scottish Championship weekend. Andrew McMillan, who conducted Campbeltown Brass to a strong fifth place in the second section, was part of the Whitburn Band which won the championship section contest, while Stephanie Kennedy was part of the Cooperation Band’s performance which was awarded second place in the championship section.

In the first section, Eilidh James was part of the winning performance from Granite City Brass, while Alison Campbell and Kirsten Souter achieved a second place with Newtongrange Silver Band.