Three Aberdeenshire school concert bands – including Portlethen – have been praised after receiving awards at the national finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival.

Portlethen Academy Concert Band, conducted by Sarah Gove, received the Gold Plus Award. Gold Awards were given to the Mackie Academy Concert Band, also conducted by Sarah Gove, and South Central Aberdeenshire Youth Concert Band conducted by Bruce Wallace.

Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee chair, said: “Once again pupils from Aberdeenshire schools have been honoured for their musical talents at the National Finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival. I would like to thank the hard work and dedication shown by not only the pupils themselves but also the teachers and staff who have played a key role in these school concert bands being given these prestigious awards.”

Justin Brook, Aberdeenshire Council’s instrumental music manager, said: “I would like to say how proud we are of all the musicians who took part in the festival to achieve these impressive results.” The national finals were held at Perth Concert Hall with bands invited to perform during March. The photograph shows three adjudicators handing over the Portlethen award.

Justin Brook, Aberdeenshire Council’s instrumental music manager, said: “I would like to say how proud we are of all the musicians who took part in the festival to achieve these impressive results.” The national finals were held at Perth Concert Hall with bands invited to perform during March.

The photograph shows three adjudicators handing over the Portlethen award.