Strathclyde Police, Archie Kenneth

We really do have to applaud MSP Stuart McMillan for the way he has tenaciously kept up the pressure. Here's his response to the Chief Constable's letter to him featured in an earlier post:
'Thank you for your response dated 27 February answering my concerns regarding the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. I am pleased to note your assurances that there are no plans to disband the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. I am also pleased the band will continue to take part in the five key championships events. Further to this assurance I would be keen to gain your assurance that the practice time allowed for the band will be adequate to take part in these competitions? I am sure you are aware the band have not got to where they are in status and competition terms without a lot of hard work and practice time. I fully appreciate officers performing in the band are police officers first and musicians second and I have never and would never suggest otherwise. However, the number of civilians playing with the band, 18 at the current time, means there are also top class musicians playing with the band who not police officers. It is of major concern that these players could be lost to other bands if the amount of practice and playing time were to be compromised. The world standing of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band has been attained by many years of hard work and dedication and it would be a shame if the standards of the band were to decrease. This would have an immediate negative impact on the band, which I am sure you will admit, is a wonderful ambassadorial tool for Strathclyde Police. I appreciate your time in responding and for the time of your Deputy when I met him in Parliament. I look forward to receiving your further assurances regarding the band, and once again I would be keen to meet with you to discuss the matter further.'

Mr McMillan clearly understands the issue and let's hope he can squeeze a guarantee of practice out of the Chief. This practice time could not, of course be set in stone. No one expects that of a police force, least of all the members of the band. If an emergency occurs they would be first to the wicket no danger. But they do need some positive reassurance that they will be given due time for practice in the run up to the majors. I do not think that is a lot to ask.

My email to the Convenor of the Strathclyde Joint Police Committee Councillor Paul Rooney brought the following response: 'Thank you for your recent email regarding the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. Having discussed the concerns raised by you and others with the Chief Constable Mr Steve House, he has assured me that the force remains committed to the pipe band and believes that the press coverage has misrepresented the position.
I can confirm that the Pipe Band will be competing in five major events being held next year. They will also be supporting events such as the passing out parades held at the Scottish Police College. Any requests received for the pipe band's attendance at community events will be considered and assessed on an individual basis. A balance requires to be struck between operational deployment and piping activities and it is hoped this can be achieved without compromise to service delivery to the public.
I trust that I have provided you with the reassurance sought regarding the future of the pipe band, but please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.'

So the five majors and Tulliallan; just the appropriate practice time needed and we can all relax a little.

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Many pupils in this week rehearsing for the top amateur piobaireachd

event, the Archie Kenneth Quaich, being held at the RSPS Rooms,

Rose Street Lane South, Edinburgh tomorrow from 9am. All visitors are welcome, so why not go along and hear some of the very best in amateur ceol mor. Should be more open than in previous years with former winners precluded from submitting their successful pieces. The competition is run by the Piobaireachd Society - the only contest the Society has ever run. The break with this tradition was a mark of the respect in which the late Archie (right) was held. For many years he was the compiler/editor for the Music Committee of the various books in the PS collection. I always feel that one of his outstanding achievements was the unearthing of 'Rory MacLoude's Lament' practically unheard of and certainly unplayed before he and the Committee published it in Book 11 (p332)