Talented young musicians from Belmont Academy in Ayr have been named the winners of the Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year.

Scottish Young Musicians, the country's festival of music competitions, gives young musicians from around the country the chance to compete to win career-enhancing prizes, perform live on a national stage in front of internationally renowned judges, and push their skills like never before.

After an online competition which attracted entries from across the country, Belmont Academy Woodwind Ensemble have been announced as the 2024 winners.

The Brass Ensemble of the Year competition was won by Campbeltown Brass, with South Ayrshire Brass Ensemble coming in second place. 

A total of 23 ensembles entered this year’s competition, with 7 competing in the brass competition and 16 in the open competition.

One ensemble in each category (Ensemble of the Year and Brass Ensemble of the Year) was selected to represent each local authority, recognised music organisation, and Scotland's independent schools.

All members had to be school students in Scotland but there was no minimum age or standard.

Ayr Advertiser: The winning Belmont Academy musicians.The winning Belmont Academy musicians. (Image: Scottish Young Musicians)

The chosen entries then submitted videos of their performances to a panel of esteemed adjudicators led by Matthew Chinn, Associate Head of the Junior Conservatoire at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Both ensembles will now receive a cash prize to further their musical experiences, a Maid of Morven Trophy, and an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year National Final at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday, May 26.

Shonagh Stevenson, Music Service Manager at South Ayrshire Council, said: “We are delighted to win this award and so proud of the hard work the young musicians and their instructor, Mr Gonzalez have put in.

"They are thrilled to be winners and look forward to performing at the RCS later this month.”