Archived Histories of Brass Bands
These pages are an archive of historical details from existing or defunct brass band websites. This is being maintained to provide a record of this information in the event of a band folding, its website disappearing or other loss of the historical record.
Where possible, and appropriate, the information cached will be updated from time to time - and any corrections or updates are welcome.
Barrhead Burgh Band
First instituted as the Levern Instrumental Band (the brass band from Neilston). Sometime thereafter, the name changed to the Barrhead Instrumental Band and later still became known simply as Barrhead Brass Band. It is recorded that the band took part in the Chartist Demonstrations (the weavers riots) at Meikleriggs Moor, Paisley in 1819.
When Barrhead was granted Burgh Charter in 1894, the band was soon being referred to as the Burgh Brass Band. In 1903, the band gained membership to the Scottish Central Brass Band Association and entered the contesting field as a 2nd Section band.
In 1919 the band gained membership of the Scottish Amateur Brass Band Association (SABBA). In the Scottish 2nd Section Championships at Motherwell in 1922, under the baton of James Marshall, Barrhead was awarded 1st place. However, the band was disqualified for rule infringement having played 26 players when the rules allowed only 24 players. Although disqualified, Barrhead was promoted to the Championship Section where it remained until 1927 when it entered but did not compete.
As a result of the economic downturn of the 1920/30?s, the band was forced to disband in 1932. In 1949, after an absence of 17 years, Barrhead Burgh Band was re-formed.
As a result of local government reorganisation in 1977, Barrhead became part of the new Renfrew District Council and was instructed to change its name. The band then reluctantly became known as Barrhead and District Band. The new title was never popular and in 1995, it reverted back to Barrhead Burgh Band. This move coincided with Barrhead being awarded the SABBA Band of the Year award and trophy. This achievement was repeated in 2004 and again in 2006.
A lottery grant of almost £64,000 was awarded to the band in 1998 enabling the purchase of a complete set of new instruments including percussion.
Since being re-formed in 1949, Barrhead has qualified for the National Finals on 11 occasions and in 2002, under the direction of Brian Keachie, achieved 3rd place in the 2nd Section at Harrogate.