Biography
Aberdeen City Police Pipe Band was formed in October 1907, by a small group of Policemen who saved part of their wages to equip the band with basic uniforms and instruments. Since then, the Band has had a long and proud tradition of playing at events and competitions throughout the world and has become a particular favourite with the people of the north-east of Scotland.
The Band originally wore the 'Hunting Gordon' tartan, clearly identifying itself with its strong north-east roots. However, in 1965, a new uniform was chosen and since that time the Band has worn the Black Stewart tartan. On formal occasions the Band used to wear a full military style uniform of black doublets, tartan plaids and feather bonnets though now they can be seen wearing jackets and waistcoats with glengarries for engagements and in competition.
In 1975, regionalisation of the Scottish Police Service resulted in Aberdeen City Police and the Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary merging to form Grampian Police. This necessitated a change of name for the Band which has since been known by its present title of the 'Grampian Police Pipe Band'.
The Band continues to perform regularly throughout Scotland at Highland Games, Competitions as well as both Community and Police events. In addition, the Band has made regular television appearances during the past few years including live and recorded Hogmanay shows and an appearance on the internationally highly acclaimed BBC television drama series, 'Monarch of the Glen'.
During the past 20 years, the Band has been invited to perform at various music festivals and events around the world and has performed in numerous countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Indonesia and at the world famous Calgary Stampede in Canada.
In 1990, in celebration of her 90th birthday, the Band was honoured to be invited to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, within the grounds of her private residence at Birkhall. The following three years saw further successes at Grade Two level with the Scottish, British, European and Cowal Championships all being won during that time.
As a result of this rapid progression, the Band was promoted to Grade One for the start of the 1995 season. Grade One comprises of only the very top bands from all over the world and this saw the Grampian Police Pipe Band standing shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world.
In May 2002, the band was privileged to lead the Massed Pipes and Drums at the UEFA Champions League Final held at Hampden Park, Glasgow. This event was broadcasted live to an estimated global audience of over 500 million.
The Band continued to compete in Grade 1 until 2005, when it was re-graded to Grade 2. Over the past few years the Band has engaged in a significant recruitment drive and expanded its junior membership, as it looks to the future. The Band focused on building a secure foundation from which it could sustain progression back to the top level.
This positive influence resulted in a successful 2006 competition season when the Band achieved significant results at both local and major competitions. At the end of the 2006 competition season, the Band was crowned the North of Scotland Champion of Champions, highlighting its determination to drive forward and recapture its Grade 1 status.
During 2007, the Band celebrated its Centenary Year. A large number of events were undertaken throughout the year both at home and abroad. The new 'Grampian Police' tartan was a formal recognition and celebration of the Band's proud ties with the north and north east of Scotland. Several events included ex players and members and it was really good reflecting on the past while sharing the excitement for the future.
The Band has continued to build and during 2008, has gone from strength to strength. The Band retained the North of Scotland Champions of Champions for both grade 2 and grade 1.
The Band presently comprises over 40 playing members, of which about a quarter are serving Police Officers. The remaining members are civilians, drawn from all walks of life.
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