Save the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band!

[The Barry]

Why are they being disbanded?

[haukehaien]

Here are the details, such as they are:

On 17 February, Pipes|Drums magazine reported:
"As of February 17, 2009, the one of the world's most famous bands as we know it may be no more, after the Strathclyde Police force made a decision to halt the traditional activities of the Grade 1 Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

According to sources who spoke to pipes|drums on condition of anonymity, the decision was made by the Chief Constable with little advance warning to band members, which previously operated as the Pipe Band Division of the force. The source said that the future of the working police officers within the band is uncertain, and they will each learn on February 18th what their assignments, if any, might be."

Full story

On 19 February they updated:
"In a statement to pipes|drums, the Strathclyde Police force has indicated that its world-class Grade 1 band "will continue to compete in major competitions."

The information was signed by John Neilson, ACC Territorial Policing, and sent by Chief Inspector Iain Murray."

Full Story

It appears that (at least for the moment) they're not in danger of disbanding. Neither the band's website nor Pipes|Drums has anything else about the story. Other sites I found had the same sorts of things as Pipes|Drums.

[haukehaien]

Update:
Piping Times Editor (and SPPB member) Robert Wallace says, "Just when we thought things were getting better.......Strathclyde Police pipe band is near breaking point. Something needs to be done soon or, take it from me, it is all over. Here's the latest: Serving members of the band would normally be on plain clothes duty for Saturday's Old Firm football match (Rangers/Celtic). This would have enabled them to play at Gourock on Sunday where they are entered for, of course, Grade 1. They have learned this week that they have been switched to uniformed night shift on Saturday night and won't therefore be able to play in the contest."

More at his blog: http://pteditor.blogspot.com/2009/05/guantanamo.html