A Prestonpans-based brass band have finished fourth at the Scottish Brass Band Championships in Perth.

Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band competed in the championship section, which brought together the best bands from across the country.

The band, who are based in the Red School in Prestonpans, gave a stirring performance, but narrowly missed out on the top spots as Whitburn claimed overall victory.

Whitburn will now travel to Lithuania to represent Scotland at the European Championships.

The bands were all required to perform composer Philip Wilby’s demanding Red Priest – a concerto based on the music of Vivaldi.

Jim Chamberlain, the band’s musical director, told the Courier: “Red Priest is probably one of the most challenging pieces written for brass band and is only played by the top ensembles.

“To get a fourth place in such a competitive contest and in our first year in the championship section is some feat, and reflects on the dedication and hard work put in by the band’s players.

“The result puts the band into the top 30 bands in the UK.”

Jim Henderson, band chair, added: “It’s been a real whirlwind year for the band.

“Since last summer, we have competed in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in September, appeared on BBC TV’s Repair Shop in August and performed throughout the area at community events and concerts.

“We’ve got a lot of appearances now until we can take a break over the summer.”

The band narrowly missed out on a trip to London’s Royal Albert Hall to perform, with that honour going to the bands placed first and second, but they have been invited to compete in the Scottish Open in November courtesy of their placing.

Those interested in getting involved with the band can do so by visiting the band website.

The band also runs a ‘training band’ which offers low-cost music tuition to learners of all ages.