Brass bands have played a proud and resonant role in Scotland’s musical and social history. Emerging in the 19th century during the industrial boom, these bands were often founded by coal mines, steelworks, and textile mills workers as a form of recreation and community identity.
From village greens to grand concert halls, Scottish brass bands became the cultural heartbeat of many towns, providing music at galas, marches, and local celebrations. Their music—rich, powerful, and emotive—carried stories of pride, struggle, and unity.
Today, brass bands remain a vibrant part of Scottish life. From the championship-winning Whitburn Band to youth ensembles nurturing the next generation, there’s a strong tradition of excellence and camaraderie. Competitions such as the Scottish Brass Band Championships and events like the European Brass Band Festival highlight the talent and passion across the country.
Whether in Highland villages or Lowland towns, brass bands continue to bring communities together with their distinctive sound – a golden thread linking past and present through music.
Aberdeenshire and Moray #
- Bon Accord Silver Band – Aberdeen – Scottish Championship Section Third Place 2015.
- Deveron River Brass – Banff – Formed in April 2009.
- Granite City Brass – Aberdeen – Established in 1850.
- Keith & District Silver Band
- Moray Concert Brass – Elgin
Angus and Dundee #
- Arbroath Instrumental Band
- City of Discovery Band
- Granite City Brass – Aberdeen – Established in 1850.
- Tayport Instrumental Band
Edinburgh & Lothians Brass Bands #
- Bathgate Band
- Bo’ness & Carriden Brass Band
- Broxburn and Livingston
- Dalkeith and Monktonhall
- Edinburgh Brass Band
- McTaggart Scott – Loanhead
- McTaggart Scott – Loanhead
- Newland Concert Brass – Bathgate
- Newtongrange Silver Band
- St David’s Brass – Dalkeith
- Unison Kinneil Band – Bo’ness
- Whitburn Band
Fife Brass Bands #
- Buckhaven and Methil Miners Band
- Dunfermline Town Brass Band
- Dysart Colliery Silver Band
- Kingdom Brass
- Lochgelly Band
- Tullis Russell Mills Band – Markinch, Glenrothes
Scottish Borders & Dumfries and Galloway #
West and Central Scotland #
- Barrhead Burgh Band
- Campbeltown Brass
- Clackmannan District Brass Band
- The Coalburn Brass Band Family – South Lanarkshire
- Dalmellington Band
- Dunaskin Doon Band
- Brass Sounds Inverclyde
- Johnstone Band – a First Section Brass Band based in Johnstone, near Glasgow.
- King’s Park Brass – Keeping brass alive in Glasgow
- Kirkintilloch Band
- Newmilns & Galston
- Renfrew Burgh Band
