End of an era at L&B with resignation of L-D Arthur Cook

After nearly 24 years with the band, Arthur Cook has resigned as Lead-Drummer of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police. A successor has not yet been named, and is pending an emergency special meeting of the band on September 16th to discuss the leadership of the drum section.

Cook, a constable with the police, over the years has seen the band go through many changes, and no fewer than five seven pipe-majors during his tenure. It is not known if he will stay with the band.

“Arthur’s dedication, commitment and drive have been commendable and as such I would like to pass on my personal thanks, and that of all members, for his contributions over the years,” said Band Secretary Gordon McCreadie. “We would also wish him success in any new venture he chooses to undertake.”

McCreadie described Cook as “an integral member of the band [who] has devoted his time and effort to the success of the drum corps and the band as a whole.”

Cook joined the Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band in 1987, and in 1988 won the World Solo Drumming Championships. He was a pupil of the legendary Alex Duthart and learned his drumming craft in the great Duthart corps of Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia, playing alongside, in addition to Alex Duthart, Jim Hutton, Eric Ward, Bert Barr and Drew Duthart.

Lothian & Borders Police moved several notches up the lists at major championships under the new direction this year of Ian Duncan, former Vale of Atholl and Drambuie Kirkliston pipe-major and well-known solo piper and judge.