The band was privileged to be invited to perform on stage at Glasgow's Hogmanay celebrations at George Square. Fellow headliners were Snow Patrol, Donnie Munro and the folk band Midden. At the eleventh hour Pipe Major Donald Mackay was asked by the organisers to have the band play a lament in memory of the Tsunami victims and we duly obliged with Amazing Grace before commencing with a twenty minute set of both traditional and contemporary pipe band music. Our set was mixed and amplified to the 25,000 attending the event and images of the band were beamed onto giant screens surrounding the stage. Pipers from the band also played at the gates of the event to welcome revellers at the start of the event.

This was the second year that the band has played at the event. The band both this year and last consisted entirely of police officers, all of whom had been heavily involved in the operational policing of the event for the previous 5 years. It was a refreshing and rewarding experience for them to view the event from the stage The band's involvement further strengthens the close links it enjoys with Glasgow City Council who along with the other 11 unitary authorities in the Force area engage the band for many popular community events throughout the year.

Jim Wark Puts His Feet Up!

Pipe Major James Wark is met by a surprise guard of honour to mark his retiral from Strathclyde Police. James left Glasgow City Centre Police Office after 33 years' police service to the sound of pipes led by the new pipe major of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, Constable Donald Mackay.

James joined the City of Glasgow Police Pipe Band in 1971 and composed many of the tunes played by the band during it's record-breaking 12 world championship wins. Inspector Niall West said: "Jim has been a committed and skilled ambassador for Glasgow, Strathclyde Police and Scotland. He has contributed to its success as composer, piper, pipe sergeant and pipe major."

James leaves the band with the best wishes of his friends and colleagues in Strathclyde Police. He plans to use his new found spare time constructively by teaching and adjudicating in the years ahead. Good luck whatever you decide to do Jim!

Strathclyde Police Pipe Band Visit to New Hampshire, USA

In September, 2004 the band was delighted to fulfil an invitation to perform at New Hampshire Highland Games in the USA. The band was particularly happy to accept since it is this type of event which allows it to contribute to the public image of Strathclyde Police at home & abroad.

The trip began with a brief stopover in Iceland where the opportunity was taken to visit the 'Blue Lagoon' hot springs for a short time. There, many of the band’s members took to the water seeking relaxation in preparation for what promised to be a busy week ahead!

Following departure from Iceland the band flew to Boston & then travelled onward to Concord, New Hampshire, where they met up with members of the local police force. After introductions, members were conveyed to the band’s accommodation in Concord where, once installed in the hotel, some time was made available to explore the local surroundings before the serious business of the trip began.

The band’s first formal appearance was made leading a parade in the nearby city of Manchester; the parade signalled the official opening of the New Hampshire Highland Games. In return the band was treated to some Concord hospitality which led to the first of a number of impromptu band performances throughout the week!

Although most of the week was filled giving several public performances each day, band members did get the opportunity, between times, to meet local residents & other musicians & to strike up new friendships.

The climax to the band’s efforts took place toward the end of the visit, in the Capital Centre for the Arts, Concord, where the band delivered a full concert programme. The concert was opened with a performance by the Westpoint Hellcats – the well known military academy bugle & rudimentary drumming band - a great introduction for Strathclyde Police Pipe Band & a fantastic start to what proved to be a hugely popular evening’s entertainment for an audience of around 1000 people. The band’s programme provided a wide variety of material including full band performances, music on the Smallpipes, Burns recitation & music, highland dancing involving local dancers & drum fanfares.

During the concert, three presentations were made: The first of these involved a young, local lad who, in response to an invitation to any child in the audience, courageously agreed to play a tune on a practice chanter in front of everyone present! Much to his astonishment the young lad was presented with a brand new set of McCallum bagpipes, from Scotland, as a reward for his efforts! The other two presentations were made to the band’s president Chief Superintendent  Louis Munn & to Pipe Major James Wark to mark the retirement of both officers from Strathclyde Police after many years of devoted service.

On the final day of the Highland Games & of the trip, the band was invited to take part in a contest against a North American Grade 1 pipe band - City of Washington. After two very good performances from each band Strathclyde Police were adjudged the eventual winners, taking first places from the adjudicators right across the board. The games were brought to a close with a massed band display led by Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

All of the band’s members enjoyed the trip & believe that it was a great success; the hospitality & friendliness of the local population, combined with the beautiful weather, made it a perfect performance venue. Members of the band would like to thank everyone who looked after & supported us during our stay & made our trip a most pleasant & memorable one. In particular we would like to thank the New Hampshire Highland Games committee whose excellent organising skills helped make the band’s job all the more enjoyable. Finally, we hope that a favourable impression of the band & the Strathclyde police force was left behind in New Hampshire such that we may perhaps look forward to a return there at some point in the future.