Norrie Thomson was the band's Leading Drummer since the end of the 1998 season to the end of 2005 when he handed over the reins to David Sheridan. He has led several great pipe band drum corps, including 100 Pipers Whisky (now The Chivas Regal) and Red Hackle (now disbanded). He also has an accomplished solo drumming background and has placed 5th in the World Solo Drumming Championships on several occasions. He lives and works in Dumfries where he is employed as the Principal Teacher of Technology at St Joseph's College.

When Did You Start Playing And Who With?

I started playing with Paisley British Legion in Grade 2 in 1964.

What Inspired You To Start Playing ?

My father was a drummer in a marching band and I had access to drumsticks from about the age of 2. With the Boys Brigade in Renfrew, I started to learn properly in a bugle band at the age of 12. I really liked this drumming lark and heard the local pipe band a couple of times. This was the Grade 1 Renfrew Pipe Band with drummers Andy Hosie and Joe Noble - World Solo Champions in consecutive years. This gave me the notion for pipe band drumming and the rest is history I suppose.

What Other Bands Do You Like To See And Hear?

At present, my favourite bands are probably Shotts,78th, SFU, the Vale etc.

Who/What Has Influenced You In Your Playing?

Influences? Predominantly Alex Duthart, I suppose, but in general, everybody who plays drums. I have always tried to be my own drummer with my own interpretation, but I've also always tried to make sure that nobody was playing anything I couldn't play. That way, I always had material in reserve for when the need arose to use it. I've always worked on the principle that the music comes first and rudiments are a means to realising your musical ideas.

Do You Have Any Favourite Tunes Or Musical Pieces?

One of my favourite MSRs was the old Edinburgh City Police (I think it was pre Lothian and Borders days) playing The Conundrum, Inveraray Castle and the Little Cascade - not that the drumming was so inspiring but I would have loved to have had the opportunity to lead my corps with that pipe corps.

Are There Any Particular Pipe Band Or Solo Performances That Stand Out In Your Mind?

Well, of my personal performances I obviously remember the performance well when my 100 Pipers Whisky drum corps won the Grade 1 British Championships (although I don't remember much of the evening !) and my World Juvenile Solos win in 1967. One that really sticks in my mind though (or more likely - in my throat), was getting 5th in the world solos in 1987, playing even better in our local branch solos a couple of weeks later, and scraping 3rd ! I tried hard not to show it, but those who knew me, knew what was going on in my mind. Of other people's performances, way back in the 60s, I remember a solo performance by Willie Stevenson, then of Shotts, which came second to Alex Duthart at the world solos. I personally thought Willie sneaked it.

What Other Hobbies Do You Have?

Music in general, football, family.

What Other Types Of Music Do You Like To Listen To?

Classical and folk mostly.

Do You Play Any Other Instruments?

Guitar and mandola. I also play timps etc. with the Solway Sinfonia.

Any Amusing Moments That Stick In Your Mind From Your Years In Pipe Bands?

The condom at the CNE in Toronto.....one of the guys in the Scots Guards band had a condom over his big drone which kept going up and down (as condoms are wont to doing) which resulted in several ranks of pipers stopping playing due to hysterical laughter. The first CNE for the Scottish bands was also a classic. With massed bands playing from opposite ends of the stadium and playing different tunes when we met in the middle. I'll never forget the expression on Joe Noble's face. I thought he was going to collapse with laughter.

What's Been The Best Band Trip (Not Necessarily With D&G Police)?

Norway, 1997 (censored)........

What, If Anything Annoys You In The Pipe Band World?

People not always accepting that I'm right!

And Are There Any Low Points?

Yeah! but I don't like seeing grown people crying.

What Are Your Goals Within The Pipe Band World?

D&G Police winning the Worlds, with individually the best corps I have ever had or played in.

Finally, If You Could Be Re-Incarnated As Anyone, At Any Point In History, Who Would It Be?

Andres Segovia or Cassanova.