Official Press Release: Police Scotland is piping in a new era with the formation of the new Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band.
Pipe band activity has been restricted over the last year due to COVID-19, allowing the current band, Glasgow Police Pipe Band, to consider its future and recognise an opportunity to align itself fully with Police Scotland.
Police Scotland recognises the important influence and contribution pipe bands have made to their communities, and the musical legacy they leave.
The new Pipe Band has the full support of the Chief Constable, who has appointed Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs as Honorary President. Band members are proud to represent the Police Service of Scotland in this way.
The Pipe Band continues to benefit from a close relationship with the Scottish Police Federation, who remain sponsors of the Band. As part of this new formation the Pipe Band will wear the Scottish Police Federation Tartan. The tartan was created in 2018, celebrating the Federation’s centenary and incorporates the colours from the eight Forces in Scotland in 1779.
Band members have been drawn from across all areas of the Police Scotland organisation and include police officers and members of staff. All are eager and enthusiastic to be part of the Band, showcasing their skills and musical talent.
[wds id=”2″]
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: ““I am delighted to see the formation of the Police Scotland Pipe Band and hear the exciting plans for their future. Music is an important way to celebrate our past and provides a fantastic opportunity to bring police and communities together. The formation of the band ensures that the proud history of piping across policing in Scotland continues into the future. I also welcome the continued support of the Scottish Police Federation.”
Pipe Major, Chief Inspector Ewan Henderson, said: “We want to pay tribute to the contribution from Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Federation. With their full support behind us we can look forward to a positive future. As we go forward, we felt a new name and change in emphasis was needed. The Band’s membership has been strengthened, the repertoire has been developed and the existing foundations of the Band built on to secure its future. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and with these important changes, the future of the Pipe Band is bright and exciting – we look forward to representing the Police Service and Scotland.”
A new governance committed has been set up, consisting of senior members of Police Scotland, band leadership and members of the Scottish Police Federation. All are working closely to safeguard the future and development of the Pipe Band.
The Pipe Band will be funded by the Scottish Police Federation and the time afforded to officers and police staff will be based on the exigencies of duty.
- The pipe band world will not be surprised to learn that the World Solo Drumming scheduled for the end of October has been cancelled.
