Colin MacLellan Takes Over Lothian & Borders Police

October 16, 1999 – Colin R. MacLellan will receive two piping appointments on October 18: he will become Pipe Major of the struggling Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band and a full time piping instructor at the Piping Centre in Glasgow.

MacLellan taking on the leadership of the storied Lothian & Borders Police (formerly Edinburgh City Police) comes at a time when the band is struggling for survival in Grade 1 on the RSPBA circuit. The band is thought to be on the verge of relegation to Grade 2 for the 2000 season. MacLellan replaces Willie McBride as Pipe Major.

As reported by the Piper & Drummer earlier this month, the Lothian & Borders Police will also have a new lead drummer, with the return of former World Solo Champion Arthur Cook, who left the Polkemmet Pipe Band, a group also said to be ready for downgrading.

One insider commented, “The new combination of Colin MacLellan and Arthur Cooke leading the band will surely make the RSPBA think twice about downgrading Lothian & Borders Police.”

It is believed that professional solo piper Jenny Hazzard, MacLellan’s wife, will also join the band.

The Piper & Drummer has also learned that the Piping Centre has announced that MacLellan has been appointed full time piping instructor at the McPhater Street complex. MacLellan fills the position that has been vacant since the untimely demise of Pipe Major Angus MacDonald MBE.

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