After 15 years at the helm of one of the most successful Northeast Pipe Bands, Drew Sinclair has stepped down as Pipe Major of Grade 1 Grampian Police Pipe Band.

Drew made the surprise announcement to his band after careful consideration over the last few months.

His successor is the current Assistant Pipe Major, Colin Walker, a Chief Inspector with the Force. 

And it has been announced Colin will be assisted by newly appointed, Assistant Pipe Major Duncan Edwards – the first none Police Officer to hold the post in the Bands hundred plus years.

Colin Walker said, "It's a real honour to be appointed as Pipe Major to such a prestigious band as Grampian Police.

I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and I'm also really looking forward to working closely with Ian and Duncan to develop our playing and sound.  We have a lot of talent in the band and its an exciting time to be part of the band." 

But Drew, who originates from Newtonmore, will not be leaving the band having expressed a desire to stay and play in the 'back ranks'.

He explained, "I have been in the band for 26 years now, 3 seasons as a corps player, 8 seasons as Pipe Sergeant and have been Pipe Major for 15 seasons." 

"I have been aware for some time that my drive, enthusiasm and hunger to effectively push the band forward has diminished as other aspects of my life have taken on greater importance to me.

This has been offset by the tremendous support Colin has given me since he joined which has effectively squeezed a few extra seasons out of me."

It was always our intention that Colin would take on the PM role permanently and the change has been discussed amongst the management team in earnest at the end of each of the last two seasons."

However, it was agreed to continue as it was working and delivering results.  Add to that Duncan working on the sound side and we were ultimately operating as a threesome leading the corps forward and sharing the burden. 

I like many of us had been anticipating another year in Grade 2.  However, as we know, others had a different view and we were promoted to Grade 1." 

I have long said I shouldn't be the person to lead us into Grade 1 again as it needed a fresher, longer term approach with greater commitment than I can now offer.

It feels right and natural to do it now and give both Colin and our recently appointed lead drummer Ian Thomson the chance to form a new partnership and lead the band forward once again into Grade 1." 

Band Manager Murray Main said, "Drew has been a noble ambassador for the band over many years.  He feels the time is right for a fresh approach and I know this has been a decision not taken lightly.  I am delighted he is staying on and know he will be a valuable player for years to come.

The Grampian Police Pipe Band has always been a competing band and since 1991 when, with Mike Murray as Pipe Major, it won four of the five major competitions in Grade 3, it has continuously competed in Grade 2 and Grade 1. The twenty year period  since leaving Grade 3 in 1991 has seen the band compete for 9 seasons in Grade 1 and 11 seasons in Grade 2 making this the most successful competing period in the bands history. 

During Drew's leadership the Band have travelled extensively and have enjoyed continued success at both local and major competitions and were most recently crowned Grade 2 Scottish and overall RSBPA Champions of Champions in the 2010 season.  The band also retained the Scottish Grade 2 Championship in 2011.   These successes effectively securing the return of the band to Grade 1 for the third time in its history.

Drew also led the band through its Centenary Celebrations in 2007 and along with Drum Major Bill Barclay designed the “Grampian Police” tartan to mark this milestone.  This tartan is proudly worn by the band and members of the force.

ENDS