MUSICIANS from Innerleithen have enjoyed a Tyrolean treat.

And the trip to the Blasmusik Festival in Ellmau was so inspiring for St Ronan's Silver Band, they came home to record their best finish in recent years at the Scottish Challenge Contest.

The town's silver band was joined by members of Innerleithen Pipe Band for the trip of a lifetime to the Alps.

They represented Scotland in from of 3,00 music lovers during the Blasmusik Festival, playing on three separate occasions.

St Ronan's Silver Band chairman Christopher Wilson told us: "This was the trip of a life time for the band..

"We were lucky enough to travel to this beautiful part of the world, where we were so well looked after and had the opportunity to perform to such brilliant audiences.

"We travelled with ten of our colleagues from Innerleithen Pipe Band who added an exciting element to our performance and certainly went down a storm with the audiences."

There were further celebrations after St Ronan's Silver Band won the Second Section, and finished fifth overall, at the Scottish Challenge Contest in Perth.

The band, under the baton of Alan Fernie, earned excellent comments from the adjudicators, Owen Far and David Barringer, and were placed in front of several First Section bands.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the band's annual Christmas Concert to be held in Innerleithen's Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 16 at 7.30pm.

Under the direction of the inimitable Mr Fernie, the concert will feature an exciting selection of pieces from the band's repertoire, including a host of Christmas favourites.

The Future Band will also make a welcome appearance in the programme under their leader David Robb.

Tickets cost £7/£5 and can be obtained from Adam's Bakery or Thrift Shop in Innerleithen, Robb’s KeyStore in Peebles, by ringing 01896 490510 or email KJBelleville@aol.com.

There will be a bar available at the concert.