Grampian Police Pipe Band has won promotion to the prestigious Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Grade 1.

The band will now compete against the elite in world piping.

The band and current Grade 2 Scottish Champions, were overall Grade 2 Champions of Champions in 2010. 

They maintained strong performances throughout this years competitions, retaining their Scottish title and coming third in overall majorcompetitions.

They also retained their North of Scotland Champions of Champions title.

Pipe Major Drew Sinclair said: "This is a major achievement  and comes on the back of some excellent performances over the last couple of years."

He added: "This promotion will see the band once again play and compete against the very best pipe bands from around the world.  It has taken considerable time, effort, enthusiasm and skill from all associated with the band to get back to the premier grade and provides us with new and exciting challenges during the seasons ahead."

"We are well aware of what it takes to compete at this higher level and are actively looking to strengthen all sections of the band in order that we can continue to improve and move forward into Grade 1.

" I would encourage any suitably experienced players interested in competing in the top grade to get in touch with us"

The band won a prize at all but one major competition this year and will be joined in the higher grade by Seven Towers and Ravara, both from Ireland.

Band Manager, Inspector Murray Main said: "We are delighted.

"The band members practice twice a week every week and all that work has paid off."

And he thanked sponsors, Aberdeen-based oil engineering firm Balmoral Group for backing the band.

Inspector Main said: "Without their support, we would not have been able to do what we have done."

The 35-strong band, led by Pipe Major Drew Sinclair, Assistant Pipe Major Colin Walker and Leading Drummer Marc Johnson, is made up of police officers and support staff, as well as civilians, who all give up their spare time to practice.

Inspector Main said: "Our pipe band brings together people from all walks of life who work very hard to perform to the best of their ability."

"They are a credit to the north east and the goodwill the band generates for Grampian Police is incalculable."

The band are currently recruiting talented players for the coming season.  Anyone interested in joining the Band, can do so through the website or by telephoning 0845 600-5-700.

There are currently 45 Grade 1 bands located throughout the world with about half based in the UK.  Grampian Police Pipe Band were last in Grade 1 between 1995 and 2004. 

ENDS