WINNING at the Press Community Champions Awards gave Dunfermline band Dancing on Tables the momentum needed to take their music to the next level.

The gifted five-piece beat fellow finalists Amy Louise Rogers and The Moon Kids to take home the 2016 Press Live Music Award in June, following the trail blazed by 2015 winners Moonlight Zoo.

Robbie McSkimming (vocals), Callum Thomas (vocals/guitar), Hamish Finlayson (guitar), Gregor Stobie (bass) and Michael Waterworth (drums) were stunned to lift the award for the first time and admit the triumph was a real boost to their confidence.

Robbie recalls the night vividly and his surprise when they were announced as nominees, let alone winners.

He told the Press: “That was my real highlight of last year. It definitely gave us momentum going forward.

"We realised that we were doing something right and we really kicked on from there. It helped us step up to the next level, I feel.

"I think it also added a form of credibility, as people will now see we’ve won an award for our live performances.

“We were surprised to even be nominated. We were just happy to be there and being nominated was a real privilege. Amy Lou is great and The Moon Kids, who had been around for longer than us, and you could say that they had done more than us on their first big run, so it was a huge surprise.

"That night was our favourite moment of last year. It’s quite a humbling experience to be there for music, in a room where you hear of all these stories of people being awarded for helping in the community.

"It’s a real feel-good night.”

Dunfermline Athletic legend Jim Leishman presented them with the trophy which was a fitting moment for Pars fan Robbie, as they then posed for a Madness-inspired photo.

Not content to simply rest on their laurels following their success, they would launch Don’t Stop, their second EP, at Electric Circus in Edinburgh in December to a packed crowd.

With energetic and passionate live performances becoming their trademark, it is not surprising that they have been invited back for the venue’s last ever show tomorrow night (Friday) with the excellent indie band, Indigo Velvet.

Less than two weeks after their Edinburgh launch, they played the reputable King Tut’s in Glasgow for the third time in 2016, a startling total for a band still making their presence felt in as many locations as possible since their 2014 formation.

A hometown Pars-themed headline in PJ Molloys in January was certainly justified and with their loyal and rising fanbase in cracking form, it was a perfect start to 2017.

“The crowd just went nuts from the moment we walked on and went for it until we walked off,” Robbie said. 

“We have a core group of fans in Dunfermline which means that whenever we play PJ’s, there’s always a larger crowd than the gig before.

"We keep getting new faces along as well as the old ones, which is really great for us.”

Robbie added: “The competition and standard of music in Dunfermline right now is so strong right now. Moonlight Zoo and Foreignfox are both brilliant, and there’s so many younger bands coming through right now who are all doing great things.

"The Dunfermline music scene has a real community feel to it and it’s only going to get better.”

 For our 2017 awards, we want to hear about your community greats that make your community thrive. 

Nominate them today at  http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/dunfcommchamp/ 

The categories are: 

Entrepreneurial Award
Sponsored by Oliver & Robb Architects
Celebrates a person or a business who have demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair, and has turned this passion to help grow their local community.

Sporting Champion of the Year
For a local individual who is making an impact in local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the beating heart of local sport?

Young Enterprise Champion
Sponsored by TechnipFMC
Recognises young people who have succeeded in starting a business, creating benefits for themselves and for their communities. This award celebrates the work accomplished by a young person demonstrating good business skills.

Champion Teacher of the Year
Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Community Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Macklin Motors
Rewarding a local individual 18 years and upwards who goes out of their way to help those around them. Someone whose actions are a force for good in the community who we all benefit from making our community a better place.

Youth Community Champion
Sponsored by Fife Council
We are looking for a young person up to the age of 18 who volunteers and makes a significant contribution to their local community. We know kids sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the kids whose heart is in the right place.

Heart of Gold
Sponsored by Amazon
This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to Central and West Fife. We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

Little Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Canvas Holidays
To recognise an outstanding child up to the age of 18 whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.

Charity Champion of the Year
When it comes to charity, West Fife is as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual or group, who have dedicated their lives to supporting an amazing cause. A chance to recognise the incredible work they undertake tirelessly.

Live Music Award

This award will go to a local singer, band or group who put their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.