Grampian Police Pipe Major Drew Sinclair believes the Band will face a tough battle to keep hold of the Scottish Pipe Band Championships title.

The defending Grade 2 champions head to Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st  as they aim to retain the trophy for a second year on the trot.

But PM Sinclair believes the Band, who were also crowned overall 2010 Champions of Champions on the last day of last season, will have a fight on their hands this summer, saying: “I think the other Bands finishing in the top four or five from last season will be strong again and they have all secured new players too.

“I would expect them to make a real push for the title.

“But we have been practicing hard, and have added some key players to both the pipe and drum corps for this season.  I am satisfied we are playing at the level we should be at this time of the year and we are looking forward to competing in the open air for this first time."

Grampian Police Pipe Band go into tomorrow’s season-opener at Dumbarton with three new, "highly experienced" side drummers.  Scott Brander (from Bucksburn and District Pipe Band) Gordon Forbes (from Culter and District Pipe Band) and Linsey Milne (from Buchan Pipe Band) all join a freshened drum corps, competing under Leading Drummer Marc Johnson.

Pipe Major Sinclair said: "There’s a strong team spirit here and the players have been practising really hard.”

ENDS