Drummers within the Grampian Police Band really will be the ‘boys in blue’ after taking delivery of a brand new set of drums.

The blue Pearl drums, supplied by Peterculter based Highland Dress and Pipe Band Supply specialists Neil Selbie and Co Ltd, have been chosen to compliment the Grampian Police Tartan, worn by the Band. 

Leading Drummer Nicky Gibson explained:  ”We recognised at the end of last season that we really needed to increase the size and quality of our drums corps and we recruited a number of quality side and tenor drummers during the winter.” 

He added: “With the arrival of the new players, we decided the time was also right to replace the drums.”

After considering his options, Nicky decided to stick with Pearl.  He said: “I like the Pearl drums.  The snare mechanisms have been improved and I wanted birch shells rather than maple to get a harder sound with more attack.”

He continued: “We got them very quickly from Neil at a competitive price and I’m really pleased with the sound and look of them.  I’m confident they will make a difference this year.”

In support of the newly formed Aberdeenshire Youth Pipes and Drums, the Band agreed to supply their old set of drums at a reduced cost to help the venture get started.  With funding from the Youth Music Initiative, the exciting scheme delivers a series of Induction workshops throughout Aberdeenshire.

Grampian Police Band Manager Murray Main said: “It’s really important for the future that Band’s like ours assist and encourage individuals, particularly younger players, to learn and play pipes and drums.”  

He added: “Due to the significant support we receive from The Balmoral Group, we are really pleased to have been able to purchase the new drums and in doing so, also support Aberdeenshire Youth Pipes and Drums.”

The tartan worn by the Band and used by Grampian Police was designed to honour the Bands centenary in 2007.  Two tones of dark blue were chosen as the base weave as blue is a colour closely associated with the Police service and the United Kingdom as a whole.  The darkest of the blues used looks almost black and is representative of North Sea Oil, which has shaped the region in recent years.

Two more colours were added to dress the base weave, which also represent the Grampian region and Grampian Police.

A light blue was added to represent the seascapes and large skies of Grampian and a thin white, almost unbroken, stripe was used to represent the chequered or diced band worn by the Police.  The new blue coloured drums will complement the tartan.