Police officers pipe up for rebellion

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 22:52

A REBELLION has broken out among members of a police pipe band after senior officers decided it could no longer perform at community galas and other events.

At least ten members of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band have lodged an official complaint against senior management over moves they say will bring about the end of the 126-year-old institution.

The band's 15 police members are angry at a decision taken by Chief Constable Steve House to require the permission of a divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Anne McGuire, to take part in charity fundraisers, village ftes and other events.

That has resulted in the band missing a number of events in the past few weeks, including an annual taxi outing for disabled children and the Govan Fair. The band, which numbers about 40 in total and is made up of its 15 police members and civilian staff and guests, is world-renowned in piping circles. Last year it performed at about 20 events, but is struggling to cope with changes to the police members' shifts that make it much harder to practise.

The Scotsman understands ten members have put their names to an official complaint.

So far, efforts to resolve the grievances – which are being handled internally – have failed. Now its supporters are warning that the band will fold within a matter of months or even weeks, with morale among its members said to have hit the floor.

Last week, Chief Superintendent John Pollock told The Scotsman he believed it was time to call time on the band to save money. Sources within Strathclyde Police have suggested the band costs as much as 700,000 in officer time and expenses.

The band's supporters call that claim "ridiculous", saying the positive publicity and boost to community relations provided by the pipers far outweigh the money spent.

College of Piping principal Robert Wallace says the band costs about 30,000 a year – and insists it is worth every penny.

"Strathclyde Police says it believes in community involvement. What better way to engage with the community than with the pipe band?

"For 40 years they have taken disadvantaged kids on the annual taxi ride to Troon. They've taken part in galas across the force and are a highlight at the Govan Fair. Now the force has decided the band should not take part in any of these events."

Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson confirmed that "several officers within the pipe band have utilised the force grievance procedure".

He said: "As this is an ongoing process, I am unable to outline at what stage each grievance is at. However, work is ongoing in an effort to conciliate individual grievances."