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 wears a full military style uniform of black doublets, tartan plaids and feather bonnets. The Band wears jackets and waistcoats with glengarries on less formal occasions 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 on Royal Deeside.
The following three seasons 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 East and North of Scotland Champion of Champions, highlighting its determination to drive forward and recapture its Grade 1 status.
During 2007, the Band celebrates its Centenary Year. A large number of events were undertaken both at home and abroad. A new 'Grampian Police' tartan was launched and is now used by the Band. The centenary allowed formal recognition and celebration of the Band's proud ties with the north and north east of Scotland.
In 2008 and again in 2009, the Band reclaimed their position as the north's premier Pipe Band. The Band enjoyed a number of prestigious accolades at both local and major competitions.
A new web site, documenting the Band's history, achievements and sponsors was launched and in its first year, almost 10,000 visitors have viewed the information.
Members of the Band are involved in tuition of new players of all ages, in particular younger players. This involves players teaching in local communities and schools.
Members of the Band have recently accepted an invitation to join an experienced team of pipe and drum tutors to support Aberdeenshire Youth Pipes and Drums. With funding from the Youth Music Initiative, this exciting new venture will open a series of Induction workshops throughout Aberdeenshire for young players of both pipes and drums.
This ensures the Band maintains its proud role protecting musical heritage.
Looking forward into 2010, the Band has set its sights on becoming one of the leading Grade 2 Bands in the World. They will compete at each of the major competitions, which will be held in Scotland and Ireland ahead of the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August.
The Band is to continue appearing in a number of communities throughout the North and Northeast during the forthcoming year. It aims to support local Pipe Bands and will undertake joint appearances and performances to raise additional funds for these Bands.
Community appearances are only possible through the continued financial support of Grampian Police and sponsors.
