16/04/2026
Well done past Young Musician winner Ryan Borthwick, Selkirk Rotarians are very proud of you.
SELKIRK MUSICIAN SELECTED FOR EUROPEAN YOUTH BRASS BAND
Ryan Borthwick has been selected to perform with the European Youth Brass Band 2026 (EYBB26), which will rehearse and perform in Linz, Austria, this April as part of the European Brass Band Championships.
Ryan began his brass banding career with Selkirk Silver Band, his local band, where he learned and developed his musical foundations, progressing to Principal Cornet. He also progressed to Principal Cornet with the Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band. He now plays with Skelmanthorpe Band, a Yorkshire Championship Section brass band, and is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
Ryan has an impressive record of competitive success, having won the Borders Under-16 Solo Championship twice and the Borders Under-21 Solo Championship once. He was also named Selkirk Rotary Young Musician of the Year in 2022, and was part of the band that won the Scottish Third Section Championship in 2023. He has also previously performed with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS).
The EYBB will have a very busy schedule with rehearsals, concerts and social events throughout the week. The annual highlight will be the band’s performance at the Gala Concert on the Saturday evening, one of the showcase events of the Championships.
Speaking about his selection, Ryan said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be heading out to Austria in April as the third representative from Scotland to be a part of the European Youth Brass Band. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m really excited to be a part of EYBB26.”
Ryan’s selection is a significant achievement and highlights both his individual progression and the important role local and youth bands play in developing young musical talent.
