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Band Stormed Off Stage
The band's last official engagement of 2006 - Glasgow's Hogmanay, was sadly cancelled due to bad weather that battered the central belt of Scotland throughout most of Hogmanay. The sight of Portaloos and debris flying around George Square in the wind confirmed the joint agencies decision to cancel (first time ever), was the right one. Some 25,000 people had expected to join the celebrations that were to feature The Fratellis, The View, Sandi Thom, a firework display and performance from Donnie Munro at midnight. During their own performance the band were to have dance with them The Scottish Rockettes, the UK's top Pro-Sports Dance Team who had choreographed a dance routine to the Drum fanfare and Jig sets, wearing specially commissioned tartan mini skirts for the night, it's no wonder that some were very disappointed not only by the weather. The band now look forward to some hard practice over the next few months preparing themselves for the competing season that will soon be upon us! Happy New Year everyone!
The band have just been informed that they have been awarded "Pipe Band of the Year" by the world's only independent publication for pipers and drummers - pipes|drums. The hugely popular Web site is the online source for the latest piping, drumming and pipe band news and is read by over 9,000 people each week. The site has recently been revamped including a name change from its original - Piper and Drummer. The band frequently uses the site for their own press releases and have had great feed back from them. The band are delighted that they have been chosen by the sites independent panel of experts and would like to thank everyone involved. Also honoured was Pipe Major Donald Mackay as "Piper of the Year". The full story, as well as all the other awards and nominees can be found on the pipes|drums official Web site.
Strathclyde Police Pipe Band would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families, friends, fans of the band and everyone who regularly visits the Web site a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been one of the most successful years for us in a long time and with your help and support we look for to next year and the future. Thanks again!
Hot Pursuit For Potential Recruits
With the recruitment age for a Police Constable just lowered to 18 years old, there has never been a more exciting time to join as a police officer and as part of our ongoing recruitment campaign, we are looking out for players to come and join us as full time officers. If you are considering or presently pursuing a career with Strathclyde Police and have an interest in Strathclyde Police Pipe Band please visit our Recruitment page and E-mail us your name, date of birth and full contact details as well as your full CV of piping or drumming experience, achievements and honours - competitive or otherwise - to date. You will thereafter be contacted by a member of the pipe band's management team to discuss your enquiry in more detail. We look forward to hearing from you. Stop just thinking about it - do it!!
Christmas and New Year is an exciting time to be out and about enjoying yourself. There’s always plenty going on in the run up to the festive season. It can also be a time of excess drinking and drug use and this can affect people in different ways. This can often result in a person doing something out of character, which they may later regret. By taking a few sensible precautions and following some simple safety tips you can keep yourself safe and enjoy the entertainment.
Pictured above are Donald Mackay, Alasdair Murray with Ashley Jenkins as Cinderella from the Panto at Glasgow's SECC and Insp Brian Connel from Community Safety, Force Headquarters who were all involved in the photographs for the press release.
The Strathclyde Police Cadet Programme is an innovative and dynamic programme for young people considering a career in the police service. The programme is tailored to suit the needs of individuals and consists of a number of modules, each of which begins with a training course at the Force Training and Recruitment Centre, followed by a period on attachment to a department within the police or one of our external partner agencies. The next cadet programme starts on 1 October, 2007. Applicants must be between 16 and 17-and-a-half on this date. Application packs are now available. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2007. You can also visit our Recruitment page for more information. It is very important that you request an actual recruitment pack as it contains other essential information regarding the application and selection process. For any additional information, please contact: Recruiting Department Telephone: 01355 566350 The Strathclyde Police Pipe Band Junior Piping Competition has now been given the green light and it's all systems go! Full details are now available on the StrathPol Solos page where you can read all about the event and download an entry form. Please pass the news to everyone who you might think may be interested in competing. Great prizes to be won including a full set of bagpipes, items of Highland Dress & superb trophies to keep, plus much, much more! Speaking about the launch, Pipe Major Donald Mackay said "I am delighted that this competition in partnership with Glasgow City Council has finally been given the green light. It is the brain child of our bass drummer Alan McGeachie and has been in the planning for some months. I have always wanted to use the band to put something back into the youth piping and drumming within our force area and at the moment this is the best option for us. A lot of grade one bands have now started, or, are supporting youth bands but for us we felt we had to do something different. The main reasons being who would we help and if we did help anyone the questions would be asked, well why them? We cover a huge area of the west of Scotland as Strathclyde Police, so this is really something for everyone! With some of the world's most senior judges and terrific prizes, it will be a great day. If successful we hope to incorporate a drumming competition in the future." Aussie Rules!
The band was invited through to the capital city again to take part in the pre-match entertainment for the Autumn series of the Royal Bank of Scotland 6 Nations Rugby at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 25 November, 2006. The massed bands comprised of Lothian & Borders Police, Tayside Police, Boghall & Bathgate, Denny & Dunipace and ourselves played onto the field and as the teams run out onto the pitch. In full chorus, the crowd of near 70,000 sang along as the bands played the Flower of Scotland, which ended with the Royal Artillery firing one of their gun cannons on the last note. Fireworks and fireballs all featured in the build up to kick off, in a game that saw Scotland sadly lose 15 - 44 to Australia. Pictured (clockwise):- Some band members "standing by". Strathclyde & Boghall playing team bus as it arrives. Massed bands in position. Marching off with Drum Major David Currie (left) in No.1 Dress.
You may or may not know that Strathclyde Police Pipe Band have been nominated for the Scottish Pipe Band of the year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2006. Please visit the site below and vote for us: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/musicscotland/celticroots/trad_awards/vote_2.shtml
The band were again on show supporting charity events at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow on Saturday 18 November, 2006. This time for the Scottish Daisy Ball, organised to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. The evenings entertainment had a true Scottish feel with dancing displays to both modern and traditional music. The band took to the floor after the highland dancers with fast and upbeat sets to get the crowd going and into high spirits for the charity auction that followed. During the drum fanfare a stick was lost whilst being thrown in the air. The crowd responded well with huge cheers and later the stick made £40 for the charity. The auction itself raised over £21,000. The band was greatly received and would like to thank Angela MacVicar and Lindsay MacCallum for all their hard work in organising the event.
The Anthony Nolan Trust provides lifesaving donors for patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. Since 1974 they have helped to give over 4,000 children and adults a new chance of life. More information about the worthwhile charity can be found at www.anthonynolan.org.uk.  At 11 o'clock on Sunday 12 November, 2006 hundreds gathered in Glasgow's George Square to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of Scots soldiers who have died in conflicts all over the world. The band played to march on the police contingent of 50 officers from Strathclyde Police who took part in the parade. Wreaths were laid by city's Lord Provost Liz Cameron and representatives from all the armed services.
The crowd of only 12,000 sung along to the 'Flower of Scotland' to lift the players who won the game 48-6. Pictured right is the band playing by special request from the players as they arrive at the Stadium. Johnny Beattie's 80th Birthday
  Pipers from the band added their support to the Breast Cancer 2000 Grand Charity Ball by playing at their annual dinner on Saturday 28 October, 2006 in the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow. The event raised a fantastic £83,000 on the night, all of which will go to the Western Infirmary Breast Care Unit and the Beatson Oncology Centre here in Glasgow. Our thanks to Douglas Adam. Information about the charity can be found at www.breastcancer2000.org.uk.Eric Ward, the band's leading drummer proved yet again that he is consistently one of the world's top side drummers by finishing in 3rd position at this years World Solo Drumming Championships held on Saturday 28 October, 2006 in Monkstown, Northern Ireland. In the final, Eric played the March, Strathspey & Reel Links of Forth, Atholl Cummers & MacAlisters Dirk. In the Hornpipe & Jig he played Pipe Major Raymond Bradford & Troy's Wedding. Also competing from the band were Steven Burns and Olav Goud, Olav finished a commendable 11th overall. Well done to all that took part and to the pipers that went across to play for them - Duncan Nicholson, Don Bradford, Russell Weir and Brendan Murphy. Complete summaries of all events can be found on the RSPBA Web site.
Strathclyde Police Pipe Band join tribute to Polish student Angelika Kluk.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6061972.stm
Strathclyde Police - British Pipe Band Championships 2006 Local Legend Awarded To Local Heroes
Scotland’s Inveraray & District Pipe Band has battled off competition to shine through as one of the UK’s favourite Lottery funded projects - scooping the Local Legend trophy at this year’s National Lottery Awards.
This year’s awards attracted over 98,000 public votes, with the winners announced live on air during a special National Lottery Day programme, ‘Everyone’s A Winner’ on BBC1 on Saturday night. Representatives from the Inveraray & District Pipe Band joined 12 other regional and country finalists on the show hosted by Noel Edmonds.
The band triumphed in the Local Legend category, which recognises the outstanding achievements of local people. Olympic triple-jumper Jonathan Edwards handed out the award to the delighted winners.
The Inveraray and District Pipe Band is the area’s first pipe band in 70 years and was set up by local piper Stuart Liddell, who hit on the idea whilst giving weekly bagpipe lessons in local schools. With community support, the group of enthusiastic children led by Stuart were awarded £17,000 of Lottery funding from the Scottish Arts Council and £5,000 from Awards for All, enabling the group to purchase instruments and other equipment.
N ow registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the band takes part in competitions and is regularly asked to play at local community and charity events. Being in the band teaches the children discipline and teamwork, and about Scottish history and culture.
Accepting the National Lottery Local Legend Award on behalf of the Inveraray & District Pipe Band, Stuart Liddell, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this National Lottery Award. Winning this award is a great way to thank all our members, volunteers, funders and community for their commitment. I'd also like to thank everyone who voted for us including pipers and drummers from all over the world. I am very proud to be part of such an amazing band and thanks to Lottery funding we hope that current and future generations continue to benefit and are given the opportunity to learn bagpipes and drums.”
Many congratulations to Stuart and everyone in the band from Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.
Many thanks to everyone that responded last month to our request for help on behalf of the Inveraray & District Pipe Band. With your help they won the Scottish finals and are now through to the UK national finals. Now, Stuart and the Band need your vote, as they compete at a UK-wide level in the Local Legend category of the Awards. They are up against Edward Waldon who set up Art in Mind, a studio to help those with mental health problems through art therapy; and Paul Anderson of the Luton Carnival Arts Trust, a project aimed at keeping Carnival history and spirit alive. Winners will be announced during a special BBC 1 programme, ‘Everyone’s a Winner’, on National Lottery Day, Saturday 23 September. The show will be hosted by Noel Edmonds. To register your vote for Stuart Liddell’s Inveraray and District Pipe Band call 0845 434 8929 or log on to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and click on National Lottery Awards (right hand side). Voting lines are open now and close at 6.00pm on Friday 22 September, 2006. So don't delay! Pipes & PartnersThe band will take part in this very enjoyable and worthwhile event on Tuesday 19 September, 2006. Guests will be able to enjoy music from around the world, as the Yakamashi Taiko Drummers join in the fun with pupils from two local schools. The entertainment kicks off at 7.30pm at the Keppoch Campus, Saracen, Glasgow. It’s hoped this year’s Pipes and Partners event will be even more successful than last year’s when more than £3,000 was raised for the Broomlea Special School. The event will be opened by Patricia Ferguson MSP. Other invited guests attending include Mr Michael Martin MP, Speaker within the House of Commons and a number of local councillors. Tickets for the event are priced at £5 and are available from the Community Safety Department at Saracen Police Office. Or at the door on the night. Download the promotional poster by clicking here.
The band finished the 2006 competition season, its most successful in 15 years, by winning the Cowal Championship in Dunoon on Saturday 26 August, 2006. The prizes also included winning the Best Drum Corp award and being placed 2nd overall in the 2006 Champion of Champions table. The discipline set this year for the Grade 1 competition was a Medley performance and the band played their Pipe Major Raymond Bradford set which they also aired at the 'Worlds'.
Pictured is drummer Derek Smyth from Northern Ireland with both trophies.
The band finished in 4th place at this years World Championships, held on Glasgow Green on Saturday 12 August, 2006 on a year which received a record number of entries and over 50,000 spectators. It was a contest that was aired as one of the closest for many years with all the top bands putting in excellent performances. The band was delighted with their two excellent performances and gained second place in the Medley section. The day was made even more exciting with the BBC filming to make a programme of the whole event which is due to be broadcast in early September. This was on top of the filming for the highly successful DVD that was first introduced last year. Pictured are some of the wives and girlfriends (WAGS) who came out in their numbers to support their men on the big day wearing specially designed T-Shirts.
World renowned solo piper Willie McCallum who works at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow has organised a week long list of events for pipers and drummers at the Lord Todd Bar within the university's own campus. Our drummers were involved in the Masters Drumming Recital on Tuesday 8 August, 2006 with the full corps giving two excellent drum fanfares. Eric himself then gave a solo performance and some sets played with Pipe Major Donald Mackay and Piper Alisdair McLaren on pipes. Performances were also given by the Leading Drummers and corps of The House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band and Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band. This year’s event was sponsored by Pearl Drums, Andante Percussion and Premier Percussion. An enjoyable afternoon of which is now fast becoming a high profile event for drummers, judging by the packed full house and very appreciative audience.
The band took another first place at the 155th Bridge of Allan Highland Games on Sunday 6 August, 2006. This; the last competition before the World Pipe Band
Championships, was favoured by many of the top bands especially from
overseas. With 11 bands competing on the day this made it one of the
biggest contests outside any major championship. The band produced
another great solid performance in the March, Strathspey & Reel
competition set for Grade 1 and took both 1st's for Piping and
Drumming respectively, retaining their first position from last
year during a beautiful sunny day. Pictured above is the
band marching off after their performance with the
The band last won the Europeans in 1992 and as you would expect the whole band was delighted with the result. An excellent performance in difficult conditions due to the rain. Everyone is now looking forward to the next competition at Bridge of Allan and the Worlds a week later. Inveraray & District Pipe Band, a newly formed youth pipe band within our force area would like your support as their project has just reached the Scottish Finals of the National Lottery Awards 2006. The winner is chosen by public vote and will go forward onto the televised UK Finals this Autumn. With the lottery funding, lots of community support and a group of enthusiastic children, this is the first time in 70 years that there has been a pipe band in the town. So please vote for this good cause and support the good work already undertaken by local Pipe Major Stuart Liddell and the team in Inveraray.
There has never been a more exciting time to join as a police officer and as part of our ongoing recruitment campaign, you may have seen this advert placed recently in the July edition of the Piping Times magazine. If you are considering or presently pursuing a career with Strathclyde Police and have an interest in Strathclyde Police Pipe Band please visit our Recruitment page and E-mail us your name, date of birth and full contact details as well as your full CV of piping or drumming experience, achievements and honours - competitive or otherwise - to date. You will thereafter be contacted by a member of the pipe band's management team to discuss your enquiry in more detail. We look forward to hearing from you and as the advert says "Stop just thinking about joining us, start making your time count!" The clocking is ticking! Short Intermission after Irish Competition
The band finished in 3rd place after their first ever appearance at the 'All Ireland Championships' held this year on Saturday 1 July, 2006 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The band travelled across using this competition as preparation for the 'Worlds' due to the format being exactly the same. Two March, Strathspey & Reel sets are submitted, one of which is drawn on the line and your own choice of medley is played. The band continued in its good form producing two excellent performances, despite 30 minutes of heavy rain before going on for the 'MSR' then glorious sunshine whilst they played and the complete opposite for the Medley. Regardless of the results the band only ever judge their own performance and after playing so well everyone is on a high. The band now has a well earned break for a few weeks before its next competition the European Championships on 27 July in Greenock.
Concert organiser and drumming teacher for the school Jim Collins said, “This was an absolute joy for everyone involved and it showed the kids exactly what we are aspiring to achieve. The concert was well attended and we hope to have raised a lot of money for the band fund. I would like to thank everyone who came along to support us at this event and especially to Strathclyde Police Pipe band for putting on such an outstanding show".
This is the second event of its type that the band has been involved in this year - helping youth bands within the force area raise funds and awareness of their organisations. Earlier in the year some band members were in Roseneath Banging The Drum For A Special Pipe Band.
Wednesday 21 June, 2006 was the day of the annual Glasgow Taxi Outing for sick children. This huge event, in its 61st year, saw over 150 taxis take hundreds of kids from all over the Glasgow area down to Troon in Ayrshire for a trip down by the sea. The day starts with all the taxis lined up and down each side of the Kelvin Way, ready to be judged.
On Tuseday 13 June, 2006 the band was invited to play at the 'Scotland 'n that' concert held in St Mary's Parish Church Hall, Kirkintilloch, as part of a whole host of different events taking place around the local area over the next week. The G66 Live is an exciting festival based in around the G66 postcode and the surrounding areas including Torrance, Auchinloch, Kirkintilloch, Lenzie, Lennoxtown, Clachan of Campsie, Milton of Campsie and Twechar. Also participating on the night were the Rosebank School of Dance and the Kirkintilloch Ladies Choir. A packed hall enjoyed the band play most of the exciting concert sets. More information about the festival and what's on can be found at www.g66live.org.uk/main.htm.
The band started the day playing a selection for them all before they headed off on a round trip of the local towns. The band then met up with them at several points and played as they passed. Pictured here is one of them - Airdrie Cross. The afternoon concluded with a host of activities held at Drumpellier Country Park, from trips on the road train to other fun rides, food, drink, music, dancing displays and lots of laughter. The band then played here for a final time before heading off. This, an annual event for the band, is always a pleasure which everyone enjoys. The small village of Markinch in the Kingdom of Fife saw the band take it first prize this year at the annual games on Sunday 4 June, 2006. Sunny weather with high temperatures made it a very pleasant day. Although not a huge entry, the band used it to get back on track producing an excellent performance and boosting everyone's morale.
The prizes didn't stop there, David Currie our Drum Major picked up 1st Prize in the Drum Major competition. An excellent finish to his weekend after picking up two 3rd's at Shotts Highland Games the day before. Gavin Walker was one of 23 who competed in the Solo Piping competition. Gavin was placed 3rd in the Piobaireachd event, playing the tune 'The Old Men of the Shells'. A great result for both David & Gavin. The band look forward now to the next competition at the end of the month, the British Championships at Pitlochry. Members of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band joined up with the organisers of Piping Live! 2006 on Wednesday 25 May, 2006 to promote the week long piping festival and the World Pipe Band Championships in August. Radio interviews and photo shoots for national media were conducted inside and outside of Glasgow City Chambers, with the Lord Provost, Ian Embelton (Chief Executive RSPBA) and Roddy MacLeod (National Piping Centre) to be used in forthcoming promotions.
Pipe Major Donald Mackay, Drum Sergeant Eric Ward and pipers Constables Donald McKillop and Alasdair Murray are pictured with Margaret Houlihan of the National Piping Centre and renkowned piper Fred Morrison. Our special thanks go to photographer Derek Maxwell for sharing these photographs with us. Scottish Championships
The 100 Pipers Scottish Pipe Band Championship saw the band finish in 4th place. Beaten only by the bad weather on a cold, wet and horrible day, the band still managed to put in a solid performance at Levengrove Park, Dumbarton on Saturday 20 May, 2006. Due to the adverse weather the pipe corps did not compete to its full potential and certainly nowhere near what they are capable of. It was disappointing, but not disheartening because there are the next four major championships to show what the band is really made of.
At the start of the march past the five centre bands performed a special request from the RSPBA for the main sponsors. The pipe tune "A Hundred Pipers" was played en-mass before all the other competitors marched on to salute the chieftain.
Also, a very well done must go to some of the new players who competed with the band for the first time.
This, a first of it's kind for Strasbourg, festival celebrating Celtic music where various musicians, groups and bands from all over Europe were invited to perform at the weekend fair took place between the 12-14 May, 2006.
Peebles Solo Drumming Competition
On Saturday 22nd April, 2006 snare drummers Neil Patterson, Olav Goud and Lesley Galbraith headed across to the High School in Peebles to compete at the solo drumming contest organised by the Lothian & Borders Branch of the RSPBA. Judging the March, Strathspey & Reel competition was Mr Jock Drysdale and their results were was follows: 2nd - Neil Patterson
3rd - Olav Goud
4th - Lesley Galbraith
Well done to them all and for Pipe Sergeant Ewan Henderson and Piper David Smith who played for them. Competing on the Saturday 22nd April, 2006 were pipers Gavin Walker and James MacPhee were at the Scottish Pipers' Association 79th Annual Professional Competition at Glasgow Academy near Kelvinbridge. Both played very well and their results are as follows: The Donald MacLeod Trophy - Piobaireachd - 2nd Gavin Walker The Donald MacDougall Trophy - March - 1st James MacPhee The Duncan MacIntyre Trophy - Strathspey & Reel - 2nd Gavin Walker The Eachan Caimbeul Trophy - Former Winners MSR - 2nd Gavin Walker Overall Winner of the Day - Gavin Walker The adjudicators were Walter Cowan, Barry Donaldson and Willie Morrison. Banging The Drum For A Special Pipe Band Kind-hearted cops helped drum up community spirit in and around the Argyll Peninsula on Thursday 20 April at the Princess Louise Hall, Roseneath. The Officer in Charge of policing in the area, Superintendent William Thornton, received a request for help from the newly formed Argyll Peninsula Pipe Band. He was delighted to assist and ordered two new tenor drums which were gifted to the band. Superintendent Thornton explained how he was able to help. He said: “We have a fund within the police - The Well Being Fund - which can be used to help with local worthwhile groups and organisations. I was approached by the Argyll Peninsula Pipe Band to assist them to purchase two tenor drums and was delighted to help out. “The band is a fantastic group which aims to bridge the gap between the young and old in the area and has proved to be extremely popular since being set up in 2003. The group meet once a week to receive tuition and everyone is so enthusiastic. The band has went from strength to strength since its inception and I know all the members are looking forward to using the new drums.” A mini band from Strathclyde Police Pipe Band went along on the night the new drums were being presented and played for all the kids, families and friends. Superintendent Thornton spoke of the excitement surrounding the visit and said: “The band here are ungraded, and as such do not compete, however there are some extremely talented musicians. They all really enjoyed the visit from the police band and many will remember it for years to come. As well as playing for the peninsula band, the police band members offered a short workshop and played along with the kids during their practice.” Clive Cole is the treasurer for the Argyll Peninsula Pipe Band as well as a founding member. He explained why the band needed some help and their thoughts on receiving the gift. He said: “At the moment we have 10 youngsters learning to play the drums but the band only has four. With two new drums it will make a huge difference and for that we are enormously grateful to Strathclyde Police. The donation is very kind and means more people can now learn. Clive also spoke of the excitement surrounding the visit of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. He said: “All the kids and even the adults were so excited. Everybody knows of them and I’m not kidding when I say that we have had to limit the number of people coming to see the police band due to the demand. It was a great night and with them playing alongside the kids made the evening even more special.” The band would like to thank everyone involved for their warm welcome and for the refreshments which they received and would like to wish them all the very best for the future. Officer in ChargeThe more observant among you would have noticed on our home page that we have recently had a change of personnel within the management of the band. This is indeed true and we would all like to extend our extreme thanks to Inspector Niall West for his time as 'Officer in Charge', of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. He is moving on to a new post within our Force Headquarters. Niall has served and played with the band for more than 16 years as a Constable, Sergeant and latterly Inspector. He still hopes and is keen to compete with the band providing time allows him from duties at his new post. We wish him all the very best for the future.
Here's Tae Lochaber - A Celebration Of Scotland In Film And Music Donald Mackay and Duncan Nicholson headed north to Fort William on Wednesday 29 March, 2006 representing the band at the film premier of "Here's Tae Lochaber", a DVD film which follows on from the great success of the compilation CD Here's Tae Us by Billy McIsaac, which resulted in over £20,000 being raised and donated to Lochaber Hydrotherapy.
Apart from raising funds for Lochaber Hydrotherapy, Billy saw this as an opportunity to promote Scotland worldwide. He approached a group of people who are promoting Fort William as 'The Outdoor Capital of the UK' and the Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs Tourist Boards for film footage of their respective areas to which they all gladly obliged.
The younger pipers in the band did themselves proud at the weekend playing at the Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition held in The National Piping Centre, Glasgow, on Saturday 25 March, 2006. The competition is restricted to pipers who are graded B & C by the event organisers, the Competing Pipers Association. It is always well attended by the up and coming pipers and with such large entries they have to split the Piobaireachd into heats with a "play off" final.
Duncan Johnstone was one of the finest pipers of his generation having won many of the major piping awards. An exceptionally well-regarded piping tutor he also taught and was an inspiration to many police pipers over the years. A prolific composer of great and popular tunes including the likes of - Farewell to Nigg, The Isle of Barra March, The Streaker, James McLellan's Favourite, and the Lament for Alan my Son to name but a few. The competition is a fitting tribute to Duncan's memory. Astounding success and satisfaction were just some of the feelings expressed at the end of our first concert and first official outing of 2006. The Albert Halls in Stirling, saw a huge crowd come to hear us play, on Wednesday 15 March, 2006. Since its opening over a hundred years ago, The Albert Halls has been at the heart of Stirling's artistic and civic life, attracting many high-profile concerts and conferences for the local community. None more high profile and innovating than the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. Our concert, a first ever for pipe bands involved the use of visual aids and a state of the art multimedia introduction presentation, which is already being aired as revolutionary to pipe band concerts and a definite must see by those who witnessed it on the night.
The band was thrilled to have played in this imposing venue and helped raise a lot of money for the Mercy Ships, an international charity, chosen by the Vale of Carron Rotary Club who organised the event. Jim Malcolm provided an added treat singing songs of pipe tune origin with the whole band accompanying him in one of his songs. Also accompanying the band on the night were some superb guest musicians, Seylan Baxter on Cello, Ewan Robertson on Guitar and Ingrid Seatter on Keyboards, the band would like to thank them for their excellent arrangements, adding some great flare to the evening. Last and by no means least, thanks to John Wilson for keeping the audience well informed and h | |||||||||||
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All the information about the event and other nominees can also be viewed also. Please pass this on to your friends and ask them to vote for Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. It's been the band's most successful competing season for 15 years and winning this would be a great finish. Voting closes at 3pm on Friday 24th November. Get voting now!!!
The opening game of the 6 Nations Rugby internationals got underway on Saturday 11 November, 2006 at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. The band played as part of the massed bands which included Lothian & Borders Police, Tayside Police and Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia who played as the teams took to the field. 
For the first time ever, Strathclyde Police Pipe Band will host a Junior Piping competition. This competition, the brain child of our bass drummer Alan McGeachie, is hoped to be an annual event and will be open to various ages groups under 18 years of age and will cover numerous different events. It will be held in Glasgow on 24 February, 2007. Full details of the venue, events, conditions of entry and fabulous prizes to be won will be available shortly. Keep logging on here to find out more and how to enter.
'YouTube', the famous internet site that lets people air their own digital video clips has proved to be very popular and has really taken off over the last year. Regular surfers of the net have informed us that the band feature heavily on it. 
The band will feature in a new BBC Scotland programme about the 2006 World Pipe Band Championships. This 50 minute special programme is due to be broadcast on Sunday 3rd September, 2006 at 1805 hors BST. Incorporated into the show will be performances from all the top bands, interviews from some of their personalities and clips of the bands preparing for the big day itself. Presenting the show will be BBC Scotland's very own Jackie Bird pictured here with Bob Worrall from Canada as the programmes expert summariser. This will be a hugely popular programme as it is the first time for some 30 years that a competition in Scotland has been recorded for television. Hopefully this will 
Sixteen teams containing 96 of the world's finest cyclists converged on Glasgow Green on Tuesday 29 August, 2006 for the official start of the Tour of Britain against the backdrop of the magnificent Doulton Fountain. The band provided music whilst the teams prepared for the start. This is the second consecutive year that Glasgow has launched the Scottish leg of the prestigious Tour of Britain Cycle Race. All around the area of the Peoples Palace and Winter Gardens were a host of cycling displays and demonstrations, exhibitions and musical acts to add to the festival atmosphere and spur the riders on in their pursuit of glory. More information about the whole event can be found at 
The weather was disappointing with persistent heavy rain from late afternoon, however this did not dampen the bands spirits as it was one of the most happy and enjoyable bus journeys home for a long time. Celebrations continued after reaching Glasgow and the band were delighted to be joined by Pipe Major Richard Parkes and his wife Ruth for some celebratory drinks, showing great sportsman-ship. The band would like to thank everyone involved for this outstanding season and would like to single out two people in particular for their efforts. Allan Hamilton for all his administration assistance on competition days and to Rory Grossart, who has recently come on board, for assisting with the bands set up by tuning the drones.
With over 130 bands and 4000 bandsman, Saturday 29 July 2006 in Battery Park, Greenock saw the band lift the European Championship trophy. Despite heavy rain the band continued with their great run of good performances. This is the band's first major title in three years and a first under Pipe Major Donald Mackay. 
You can vote for Inveraray & District Pipe Band (more than once if you like) by simply phoning 0845 434 8929 (calls cost no more than 1.5p) or logging onto 
On Monday 26 June, 2006 the band participated in a joint fund raising concert for The Pipes and Drums of The Glasgow Academy. Titled "Working Together", the concert started at 7pm with the host band playing for over an hour in the schools Cargill Hall. Strathclyde Police Pipe Band then took centre stage and played for 40 minutes. The show climaxed with both bands on stage together playing Highland Cathedral.
The Strathclyde Police Recreation Association (SPRA) Family Day took place on Sunday 25 June, 2006 at Lochinch Sports Grounds within Pollok Country Estate, Glasgow. A fun packed day for all the family with the usual attractions of Children’s shows, bouncy castles, climbing wall, tea tent, beer tent, barbecues, new cars, live music, stalls. Plus special displays were given by the dog branch, mounted branch and a chance to see around the police helicopter. The band provided some music playing in the afternoon for the hundreds of officers, staff, families and friends that turned out on the glorious sunny day.
The band finished in 2nd place at this years British Championships, which took place on Saturday 25 June, 2006 in the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry. In a very close March, Strathspey & Reel competition, the band played the set - Donald Cameron, Caledonian Society of London and Mrs MacPherson of Inveran. Producing a very good solid performance the band were delighted with the result and look forward now to our next competition, the All Ireland Championships. A special well done must go to Gordon Shaw for making his championship debut. A great result for the band and everyone involved - Well done!
The best dressed cabs and drivers win trophies and ultimately get to lead the parade off and around Glasgow, passing the City Chambers and getting waved off by the city's Lord Provost before heading down to Troon. The band plays up and down the Kelvin Way whilst the judging takes place then make their way to Troon to play them on their arrival through the main streets. Pictured are some of this years prize winners but the real winners of the day are of course the kids! Getting away for the day and having a fun time. More information about the event can be found on the Taxi Outings official Web site 
The Monklands Taxi Outing for Disabled Children took place on 7 June, 2006 in scorching sunshine, over 60 taxis took part in the day of fun. 
The drum corps used their ‘Pearl’ of wisdom to showcase the very recent arrival of their full set of new drums. Specially made for Drum Sergeant Eric Ward's drum corps, all the drums have a navy blue 'Galaxy' finish with gold hardware. Although the band were placed fourth, the drum corps made it a first with this new style of drum which attracted many favourable comments from bandsmen and passers-by on the day of the competition.
The bands' duties at the festival kicked off with them playing outside the European Council building. It started very formally with the band marching up and down in front of the impressive building, underneath an array of flying flags from all the member states. As the band were just about to start their third set, the heavens opened with a torrential downpour and all had to scramble up the steps where they quickly reformed to carry on with their performance, beneath the canopy of the main entrance, leaving just enough room for the hundreds of spectators that came out to see them.
Later that day, after the thunder and lightening had passed, the band, together with all the other participating groups, paraded through the narrow and crowed streets of Strasbourg stopping outside the immense Cathedral that towers 142m above the city, where en-mass everyone played the tune "Tom Bale 67" (a short piece of music composed especially as the theme for the whole festival). Leading the parade off again through the cities streets they stopped outside the Mayor's House where all participants lined up and played the festival's theme tune again. A few of the bands were then chosen to play a tune for the Mayor and after the band played their own piece that was them complete for the day.
The next day the band played a short concert in the main auditorium of the hall used as the base for the festival. This was the climax to the whole event, packed out with hundreds of spectators and participants from the whole festival. With the Pipe Major and Leading Drummer also judging some of the bands in the open competition, it made for a varied weekend of music and everyone will have the sound of the bombards ringing in their ears for days to come. Throughout the whole stay the band was looked after very well and would like to thank the organisers - Hervé Estner (President Euroceltes 2006) and Alan who looked after us. Thanks again!
The new Officer in Charge in Inspector Scott McEwen. He returns to the band having previously served in the band unit from 1994 to 1998 as both a side drummer and tenor drummer under the direction of leading drummers Roddy Darroch & Eric Ward. A product of the Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band conveyor belt of talent taught by Tom & Gordon Brown, Scott has experienced several top level successes in Grade 1 and hopes to continue this trend with the present band. Scott adds significant experience to our existing World Champion bass section.
Many of you will know 
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