Uploads from conner395, tagged northernconstabularypipebandinverness, with geodata

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:22 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The bass drum decal

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:59 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Playing down Eastgate at the conclusion of the parade.

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:44 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Playign the parade through.

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:56:07 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Playing outside Eastgate Centre to conclude the performance.

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:36 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Police Scotland (Northern Constabulary as was) Traffic Warden leads the next contingent of the parade through High Street.

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Inverness City Centre Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:52 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Playing back down HIgh Street after the Parade has passed.

The force may not exist any longer (Northern Constabulary became part of Police Service of Scotland on 1st April 2013) but the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band lives on – despite quite a turnover in playing personnel over the past year or so!

Our first duty of the 2013 Summer (??) season was to lead off the parade at the Inverness Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Organised by Inverness BID (Business Improvement District) the event involves a variety of classic vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc) on display at various points throughout the City Centre during the morning and early afternoon - before coming together for a final parade through the heart of the City.

The Band's purpose is to play for a short period outside Eastgate Centre to attract the public, and then to play through Eastgate and High Street, alongside the start of the (then static) partly-formed up parade. On reaching the Town Hall end of High Street the Band then forms a guard of honour, playing all the while, through which the parade passes en route around the City. When the entire parade has passed through, the Band then plays back to Eastgate to dismiss.

The weather over the last couple of days has ranged from warm sunshine to heavy rain bursts and back again in quick succession, so we were expecting at least one downpour in the hour of our involvement. Thankfully though the rain stayed away and the Band, and parade, and city Centre could be seen to best advantage in the sunshine. Judging by the crowds which thronged Eastgate and High Street, the event was successful, and the crowd's warm applause at the Band's performance was truly music to our ears.

As Mark Twain almost said "The rumours of the Band's demise have been greatly exaggerated".

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side Inverness Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:00:16 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The fairy castle in the snow - looking side on from south. The band is playing on the lawn in front of the castle - just off to the left in the darkness.

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse tonight in anticipation of the Band putting on an outdoor MiniBand performance at Aldourie Castle. There were snow flurries as the players warmed up - and then the snow really started, just as soon as the players marched on to the Castle Lawn. Very diifficult to play (pipes or drums) with frozen fingers! Then as soon as the band ended its brave performance, the snow stopped.

But at least the audience appreciated the perfomance. Hopefully our next appearance will be in better weather!

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side Inverness Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:00:11 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Playing on the lawn between two braziers - which do not keep the snow at bay! Yes that IS snow falling.

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse tonight in anticipation of the Band putting on an outdoor MiniBand performance at Aldourie Castle. There were snow flurries as the players warmed up - and then the snow really started, just as soon as the players marched on to the Castle Lawn. Very diifficult to play (pipes or drums) with frozen fingers! Then as soon as the band ended its brave performance, the snow stopped.

But at least the audience appreciated the perfomance. Hopefully our next appearance will be in better weather!

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side Inverness Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:00:07 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The fairy castle from the front - or is it the rear? This is from the car park - the band is forming up here behind me, and then played down the (left) side and on to the lawn in front of the castle (overlooking Loch Ness)

Apologies for the snowflake on the lens!

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse tonight in anticipation of the Band putting on an outdoor MiniBand performance at Aldourie Castle. There were snow flurries as the players warmed up - and then the snow really started, just as soon as the players marched on to the Castle Lawn. Very diifficult to play (pipes or drums) with frozen fingers! Then as soon as the band ended its brave performance, the snow stopped.

But at least the audience appreciated the perfomance. Hopefully our next appearance will be in better weather!

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland (Massed Pipe Bands)

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:37:05 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Massed Pipes and Drums come down the High Street.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland (Massed Pipe Bands)

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:36:53 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Massed Bands assemble and prepare for step-off in Falcon Square, to join the parade.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland (Massed Pipe Bands)

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:37:32 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The parade enjoys the breeze alongside the River on Ness Walk as they approach the Northern Meeting Park.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland (Massed Pipe Bands)

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:37:16 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Passing the Saluting dias outside Inverness Town House.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:36:44 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The vintage MacBraynes Bedford Bus was on hand in Eastgate to provide transport for those veterans unable to walk in the parade. Some of Northern Constabulary PB drum corps are in process of unpacking their drums alongside the bus.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band - piper lost

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:49:41 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

I am reposting this photograph in memory of Piper Darren MacRae who passed away in his sleep at home today, Monday 18th June 2012 at the age of only 29.

God Bless you, Daz! You are sadly missed.

The photo shows Darren performing a solo set for the assembled crowd at the Annual Gala Day at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye - with the Skye Bridge in the background.

Darren had been unable to play for the Band for the last few years due to work commitments but was a very regular player from 2006 to 2008, including playing as part of the NorCon Miniband at my eldest daughter's wedding.

Darren was a civilian member of the Band, being manager of a local Bagpipe supplies shop.

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side by Inverness, Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:09:21 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

What a location in which to perform - the Band emerges from the avenue of trees on to the lawns of the Castle to commence the performance.

The Band fulfilled the fourth and final one of a series of private Mini Band engagements at Aldourie Castle this evening (Saturday 2nd June 2012).

Yet again different weather, as the sun was bright but not much warmth, but the sky was clear and the air had a slight breeze.

As ever, the light was low - for my cameras at least - during the performance, as by then the sun was well set.

The sweet and rousing sound of the FIVE pipers and FIVE drummers filled the Glen, to hopefully entertain the many people already engaged nearby in the set up for the RockNess Music Festival.

"Nestling on the quiet southern shore of the famous Loch Ness, close to the City of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Aldourie Castle Estate offers you a rare taste of Highland living at its best."
Please visit www.aldouriecastle.co.uk/ for lots more fascinating information about the Castle and its Estate.

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side by Inverness, Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:09:31 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Who needs an Olympic flame? The pipers (and bass drummer) produce a superb set, with Loch Ness in the background.

The Band fulfilled the fourth and final one of a series of private Mini Band engagements at Aldourie Castle this evening (Saturday 2nd June 2012).

Yet again different weather, as the sun was bright but not much warmth, but the sky was clear and the air had a slight breeze.

As ever, the light was low - for my cameras at least - during the performance, as by then the sun was well set.

The sweet and rousing sound of the FIVE pipers and FIVE drummers filled the Glen, to hopefully entertain the many people already engaged nearby in the set up for the RockNess Music Festival.

"Nestling on the quiet southern shore of the famous Loch Ness, close to the City of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Aldourie Castle Estate offers you a rare taste of Highland living at its best."
Please visit www.aldouriecastle.co.uk/ for lots more fascinating information about the Castle and its Estate.

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness-side by Inverness, Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:09:41 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The trees to the north of the lawn provide a superb natural burst of colour as the Band plays.

The Band fulfilled the fourth and final one of a series of private Mini Band engagements at Aldourie Castle this evening (Saturday 2nd June 2012).

Yet again different weather, as the sun was bright but not much warmth, but the sky was clear and the air had a slight breeze.

As ever, the light was low - for my cameras at least - during the performance, as by then the sun was well set.

The sweet and rousing sound of the FIVE pipers and FIVE drummers filled the Glen, to hopefully entertain the many people already engaged nearby in the set up for the RockNess Music Festival.

"Nestling on the quiet southern shore of the famous Loch Ness, close to the City of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Aldourie Castle Estate offers you a rare taste of Highland living at its best."
Please visit www.aldouriecastle.co.uk/ for lots more fascinating information about the Castle and its Estate.

Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Aldourie Castle Loch Ness-side Inverness Scotland

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:00:01 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

Pipe Major tuning his pipes near the castle, in the falling snow, just before the performance. Yes, all the white "marks" in the photo are snowflakes

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse tonight in anticipation of the Band putting on an outdoor MiniBand performance at Aldourie Castle. There were snow flurries as the players warmed (?) up - and then the snow really started, just as soon as the players marched on to the Castle Lawn. Very diifficult to play (pipes or drums) with frozen fingers! Then as soon as the band ended its brave performance, the snow stopped.

But at least the audience appreciated the perfomance. Hopefully our next appearance will be in better weather!

Armed Forces Day - Parade to Inverness Highland Games 2012 Scotland (Massed Pipe Bands)

nobody@flickr.com (conner395) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:37:42 -0700

conner395 posted a photo:

The Massed Bands play round the arena at Northern Meeting Park during the City of Inverness Highland Games.

As in several previous years, the Armed Forces Day and Parade was incorporated into the City of Inverness Highland Games.

Massed Pipe Bands formed up in Falcon Square and then proceeded to lead the Colours and parade from Eastgate through Inverness City Centre, to the Northern Meeting Park where the Highland Games was to take place. The Games then began with a Drumhead Service and Presentation of Veterans Medals.

The Massed Pipe Bands were under the command of Drum Major David Murray (BW, Ret) and comprised pipes and drums from:
- Northern Constabulary PB
- Inverness Royal British Legion PB
- Queens Own Highlanders Association PB
- Forres PB
- Sutherland Caledonian PB
- Isle of Skye PB.

The weather was gorgeous for this memorable event, made all the more poignant by the absence of the man who organised the event these past few years (including this year), Pipe Major Denis Swanson of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who sadly passed away earlier this year.