File:Northern Constabulary Pipe Band - Year One (2003) at Falcon Square Inverness (15024958982).jpg

City Centre performance in Inverness (Falcon Square) - unbelievably hot.

Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band is now in its 12th year of (performing) existence, so what better than to look back at the way it was at the start!

A small group of serving Northern Constabulary officers got together in June 2002 and resolved to set up a force Pipe Band. This was long overdue as the force area is the home of the Great Highland Bagpipe, and has produced many fine players (some of whom were police officers) - but distance and logistics had always previously precluded forming a band. By deciding to incorporate the word "Community" into the title, and inviting family, friends and police-supporting members of the public into the band, it was considered feasible to be able to produce a band of meaningful size.

By the end of that year, plan were afoot for the embryonic band to take on some limited engagements in the 2003 summer season.

In light of the austerity affecting the force, it was understood from the outset that the police service was unable to support the band financially, so much effort went into obtaining corporate sponsorship and charitable donations in order to equip the band with drums and uniforms. The tartan chosen for the kilts was Scottish National Modern (SNM) - rather than a specific clan tartan, atlthough there is a good part of the Mackenzie tartan (regimental tartan of the Seaforth Highlanders) in the SNM, along with more than a hint of Cameron of Erracht (Queens Own Cameron Highlanders) - these being the two infantry regiments of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland which was the Northern Constabulary force area.

As it transpired the Band made its public debut at the Isle of Skye Pipe Band Festival at Portree in June 2003 - even although the promised Band uniforms were not yet available - it takes some time to make a couple of dozen kilts, especially as we had specified military pleating. Due to other commitments, it was a small but determined band that took to the street that day.

The next engagement was again in Portree the following month to support the Skye Emergency Services Committee, this time larger and a bit more organised.

Thereafter the Band endured Scottish Highland summer at its best - a varied mix of rain (sometimes extremely heavy and even with sleet) and shine (extremely hot at times) at various performances around the Highlands, culminating in the Armistice Remembrance Day Parade in Dingwall in November (which was certainly not a warm morning!).

By that time the band was fully kitted out, and ready to prepare for its second year of performances!

Doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself!