Supported by

Kirkton Brass Bathgate (Formerly, Newland Concert Brass)

Musical Director

Paul McKelvie OBE

Paul has had a long association with brass bands. He started playing trombone at the age of 10, and joined the Alva Band in 1974, playing continuously until 2011, when he decided to take up conducting.


He started his conducting career with Clackmannan District Brass Band, taking them to victory in the 2012 Scottish First Section Championships, followed by 6th and 4th positions in the Scottish Championship Section in 2013 and 2014 respectfully. Paul was Musical Director at the then Newland Concert Brass from 2013-2018 where he helped the band rebuild and return to the contesting stage.


Paul has also enjoyed conducting spells at Lochgelly and Kinneil, and is currently MD at Newmains & District Brass Band, where the band won the 2024 Scottish Championships (2nd Section).


On his appointment to the MD position at Kirkton, Paul said, “I am delighted to be back at Kirkton. There is a fantastic team here, and I hope I can help them create more great musical memories”.