MacLellan resigns as Lothian & Borders Police pipe-major

Colin MacLellan has resigned as Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band of Edinburgh after five years in the position.

MacLellan took the pipe-major post with Lothian & Borders in 1998 when the band was relegated to Grade 2. Under his guidance the band returned to Grade 1 and this past season won the MSR event at North Berwick. Its highest finish in a major championship in Grade 1 under MacLellan was seventh.

“I have decided that after five years it’s time to move on,” MacLellan said. “I enjoyed being with the band, but the time commitment just became too much. I wish the band nothing but success for the future.”

It is thought that several members of the band may well move on also, and a replacement pipe-major is not known at this time. Euan Anderson had been pipe-sergeant under MacLellan. The band’s annual meeting is scheduled for October.

The Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band, with its Edinburgh City Police legacy, is one of the oldest and most storied bands in the world. It is the only Grade 1 band in the Edinburgh area, but the Grade 2 Drambuie-Kirkliston Pipe Band enjoyed an excellent 2004 season. Drambuie reportedly will not be upgraded for 2005.

MacLellan stated that he does not intend to join any other band.

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