Riverside Youth celebrates player achievements at awards night

It was celebration time for members of Riverside Youth Band as the Inverclyde organisation staged its annual awards night and ceilidh.

The event, which took place in the 68 Club, Port Glasgow, saw players honoured for their achievements during what was a busy and successful year, in which Riverside did the 'double' with its Youth and Training bands winning the Scottish Youth Championship title. The organisation was also recipient of the Greenock Telegraph Community Champion Live Music Award.

Players and their families and supporters then danced the night away to the sound of the McHart Ceilidh Band.

Reflecting on the evening, Mark Good, musical director of Riverside Youth Band, said: "After what has been a busy year, our awards night and ceilidh was the perfect way for members of the Riverside Youth Band to let their hair down and enjoy a night of celebration.”

The Youth Band Bandsperson of the Year, receiving the Cathie Sinclair Memorial Trophy, presented by Lesley Crumlish (cover photo), was Ash Paton (Park Mains High School). Ash was also awarded the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in Riverside's solo festival. This was presented by Joshua Watson.

The Most Improved Player in the Youth Band, receiving the Clive Good Memorial Shield, presented by Jeanette Good, was Katie Livingstone.

Receiving the Training Band Bandsperson of the Year Award – the John Lee Millar Memorial Trophy, presented by Libby Hunter – was Bramble Kane (Notre Dame Academy).

The Most Improved Player in the Training Band was Hollie Stables (Clydeview Academy).

A Special Recognition Award was presented to volunteer Gillian Reid for continued support and dedication of youngsters in the Riverside Youth Band.

The Best Section Award was presented to the tuba section of Callum McCowan (St Francis Primary), Aaron Arthur (Newark Primary), Jessica Sloan (St Patrick's Primary) and Amelia (St Francis Primary).

Callum McCowan also received the Best Sightreader Award while the Riverside Rookie of the Year was Christian Adams, of St Mary's Primary.

Duncan Galbraith, chairman of Riverside Youth Band, said: "Being part of Riverside Youth Band is about doing everything together – performing, supporting and looking out for each other. Our awards night and ceilidh offers a rare opportunity to put our instruments down and have a party – and it was very well deserved after a packed 2023-2024. Well done to everyone involved."

Riverside rounded off its term in style with its summer gala concert in which it was joined by special guests, the cooperation band.

While the band will take a short break during the summer, the next engagement will be in Coronation Park for Port Glasgow New Parish Church's Picnic in the Park event on 20 July.

Several members will also be travelling to Strathallan School to take part in the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland's summer residential course.