Andrew Moss (Amos) is a resident of Bradford and works as a salesman. Having started piping at the tender age of 11 he has plied his trade with notable pipe bands such as Dan Air/Clan Sutherland and The Royal Ulster Constabulary. Being born in West Yorkshire it is obvious that his chosen footie team would be Bradford City, but Amos being Amos he opted to support Leeds United instead. Amos has been in semi retirement over the last few years, since the demise (hopefully temporary) of the Northern Ireland Police Service. Fortunately he has been coaxed back to piping and we are pleased and honoured by his choice to play with Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.

When did you start playing and who with?

I was born in west Yorkshire, in 1976 and began piping at the age of 11, the 78th Frazer highlanders had just won the world championships 1987. I joined my first band, West Yorkshire Fire Service, and was taught by Alan Harrison pipe sergeant.

What inspired you to start playing?

My father is from Edinburgh, and we used to holiday all over Scotland for years, so I guess it was in the wind ?

Give us a breakdown of your piping career.

In the 90's I was to join Dan Air, who at the time had just lost their then pipe major Jimmy Banks, and were being taken over by Tony Sloane. Over the coming years the band was to be renamed Clan Sutherland and were to dominate the English Circuit and eventually win the Champions of Champions in Grade 2 collected at the Cowal Highland games 1997. Throughout my time with the Clan I was tutored by Craig Macintosh, who's friendship and influence and persistent willingness to improve my playing, thankfully drove me to join the RUC in Northern Ireland, where I spent two years plying my trade in grade 1 until the band split in 2002. Since then the noble art of the Bagpipes has taken a backseat to a career driven in sales, however this year I have found myself fortunate enough to be able to devote time to my hobby and have been given the chance by Dumfries to resurrect my piping career, of which I am very grateful. Hopefully over the coming years we will see many trophies in our cabinet and push for a place in grade 1.

What other bands do you like to see and hear?

I have enjoyed watching my old compatriots from the Clan and Ruc, strut their stuff with the Field Marshall boys especially as mentioned above, Craig Macintosh, whom I am very pleased for after all his hard work. Also Simon Frazer University, fantastic band. (one day would love to play for them). Dreamer nothing but a dreamer.......

Who/What has influenced you in your playing?

Tony Sloane, fantastic pipe major has really got a knack of knowing the music (even if he cant play it). Clan boys know what I mean. Again of course Craig Macintosh, my big brother such a rock.

Do you have any favourite tunes or musical pieces?

Are there any particular pipe band or solo performances that stand out in you mind?

What do you do for a living?

What other hobbies do you have?

What other types of music do you like to listen to?

Do you play any other instruments?

Any amusing moments that stick in your mind from your years in pipe bands?

What, if anything, annoys you in the pipeband world?

What's been the best band trip (not necessarily with D&G Police)?

Would have to be my trip to San Francisco with RUC and then flying to Colorado, for another week. Them Irish boys can party.

What are the highlights of your playing career?

Winning the Champions of Champions in grade 2, with the Clan Sutherland, we had grown up as a family together and it was just rewards for many a sleepless night.

And are there any low points?

What are your goals within the pipe band world?

For D&G to win everything over the next few seasons and to eventually kick on in to grade 1 and cement our place there.

Finally, if you could be re-incarnated as anyone, at any point in history, who would it be?

I would be reincarnated as Bond....James Bond.