The event brought together talented young musicians from across the area, giving them a rare opportunity to perform at a high level beyond their usual school experiences.

After an evening of impressive performances, Oliver Cairns, a sixth-year pupil and clarinettist from Our Lady’s High School (OLHS) Cumbernauld, was named the 2025 North Lanarkshire SYM winner. Oliver first entered the competition in his fourth year and has continued to grow as a musician since then.

After his win, Oliver said: “I’m thrilled to have won the North Lanarkshire Scottish Young Musician 2025. It was amazing to perform for the audience and judges, and I’m looking forward to the final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

"I’d like to thank my music teachers, Ms H. Blain and Mr S. McEwan, at Our Lady’s High School, and my clarinet teacher, Mrs R. Whitener, for their support and guidance.

“I’m also grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for choosing me to represent them. Competing in the final will be an incredible experience as I go on to study clarinet and composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September.”

Oliver will now represent North Lanarkshire in the Scottish Young Musician Final 2025 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow this May, competing against winners from Scotland’s 31 other local authorities and private schools.

Special recognition also went to the two runners-up: Ava Dean, a fourth-year clarinettist from Brannock High School, and Patrick Dysko, a sixth-year pianist from Taylor High School. Ava, who took part in the first SYM competition as a second-year pupil, has made great progress since then.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, said: “Congratulations to Oliver, Ava and Patrick and all the other pupils who took part. Thanks also to all the music department staff and instrumental instructors for their invaluable support in preparing the pupils for this event.”

Kirk Richardson, Lead Officer of the North Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service, added: “A huge well done to everyone who took part. The commitment and passion shown by the young musicians were outstanding, making it a truly memorable competition.”

A total of 11 schools participated, including OLHS Motherwell, Dalziel High School, OLHS Cumbernauld, Taylor High School, Brannock High School, St Maurice High School, St Aidan's High School, Bellshill Academy, Chryston High School, Clyde Valley High School, and St Ambrose High School.