Reporting by Clare McNeill.

One of Scotland's most successful brass bands is in crisis after its funding was pulled.

It was supposed to be a year of celebration for the Co-operative Funeral Care Band as it marks its centenary, but now its future is in question.

The group were hit hard when told their funding was being withdrawn.

Band member Keith Johnston said: 'We were totally devastated because it takes quite a bit of money to fund a band of this standard, so to lose any sponsorship at all is a big blow.

"But [the Co-op] very kindly said they'd sponsor us for one more year because it's the band's centenary year, but we haven't celebrated because we don't have the money to that and we're trying to keep going."

Formed by Co-op workers in 1918 the band has a decorated history. It has won the Scottish Championships 32 times and twice brought the national title of Great Britain back to Scotland - the only Scottish band ever to win the prestigious title.

The band were also forced to vacate their rehearsal space in Newhouse, North Lanarkshire, and have since had to find alternative premises - none of which offer a permanent solution.

Last week it was a Salvation Army Hall in Motherwell, this week, a church in Castlemilk.

Members say that the running of a quality brass band is pricey, whether its renting space, hiring coaches, attending competitions, or maintaining and replacing instruments.

Iain Chisholm has been playing with 'The Co' for the last 25 years.

He said: "The pit of your stomach just falls. It's a big part of my life.

"Money's tight across the economy and we understand that. But we thought we would continue to get support from the Co op.

"You plan your year around the band; around contesting around concerts, marriages, births of children, annual leave, all that kind of stuff. You plan around the band and the band calendar."

The band also prides itself on recruiting young brass playing talent to give them a platform at the highest level.

Lauren McCormick joined last year and said members were coming together to fight for the band's survival.

She said: "We do have a strong core of students who are studying the moment and [they're] getting that great experience playing with a top band.

"It's really heartbreaking going through this, but I don't think we can give up. Everyone's mucking in, trying to make the best of the situation, and trying hard to find sponsorship."

Keith added: "This is a family. Friendships are made that last a lifetime. It's more than just music making.

"You belong to something special, and it means a lot to us. There are a group of us who are saying the band will not die. But without a sponsor, it's going to be very, very difficult."

'The Co' are hoping for success this weekend when they compete at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The band have until the end of the year, when their funding runs out, to find a sponsor.

STV News reached out for a statement from Co-op Funeral Care, who said:

''We've been fortunate to be able to fund the band for a number years and this decision has not been taken lightly. Over the course of the year, we've been speaking with the band about our intention to no longer provide funding after 2018, to ensure they have plenty of time to plan.

''We've also offered them the opportunity to apply for funding from our local community fund, through which we've provided over £100,000 to musical initiatives in Scotland.

"As a business, we are continually reviewing how we invest our members' money to ensure that as a Co-op we can continue to support our colleagues and the communities we serve.''