Whitburn announce award winners for 2025

Andrew, Scott and Iain with their prizes

Whitburn Band has announced its award winners for 2025.

Solo Horn Andrew McMillan was awarded Player of the Year, while Scott Forrest on soprano was named Players’ Player of the Year. Iain Fleming was celebrated as Bandsperson of the Year.

Andrew was recognised by Whitburn’s management and conductors after a fantastic year. He was the musical voice of ‘Keli’, a landmark National Theatre of Scotland show, during its Scottish tour with acclaimed performances in Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Glasgow.

He graduated from his performance course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, and Whitburn was delighted to accompany him during his final recital.

Scott was named Players’ Player of the Year after being voted for by his fellow players in Whitburn.

Scott was awarded after another fantastic year on soprano cornet. He won the ‘Best Soprano’ prize at the Scottish Championships, and had a stand-out performance at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where the band finished in fourth place.

Iain was named Bandsperson of the Year. As well as performing in the band’s horn section, Iain is a true stalwart of the band and since he has returned to Whitburn in the past year he has been a true example of a brilliant bandsperson, and continues to make a significant contribution to the band on and off the stage.

Whitburn was also delighted to recognise long-service for two of our players - Paul Kiernan and Neill Gourlay.

Paul (left) has now won the Scottish Brass Band Championships on 20 occassions

Paul has celebrated 10 years with the band. Originally joining Whitburn in 1988, Paul returned to Whitburn in 2016 and has led the trombone section through several great performances, as well as celebrating his 20th Scottish championship win last year.

Neill, meanwhile, has celebrated 20 years’ with the band. He has been part of the Bb Bass section with his brother, Alan, during this time and serves as the band’s Treasurer. His work in this role has been outstanding, ensuring the band can continue to compete at the highest level across Europe.

Neill is presented his award by Charlie Farren 

Whitburn’s development bands also announced their award winners for 2025. They were:

Whitburn Youth Band Player of the Year - Eilidh Stephenson Bandsperson - Ruby Morrison Most Improved Player - William Luke

Whitburn Heartlands Band Players’ Player of the Year - Eilidh Stephenson Bandsperson - Ruby Morrison

The awards night concluded with a presentation to Charlie and Caroline Farren for the continued excellent work with the whole organisation, from Whitburn Band to Whitburn Wee Band and Whitburn Youth Band.

As well as playing in Whitburn Band, Charlie conducts Whitburn Wee Band and is Whitburn Band's Chairman, while Caroline conducts Whitburn Youth Band. They both make a huge impact on our young people, and are a driving force for the success of Whitburn's Player Pathway System.