Only police choir in Scotland ready for public appearances

IT'S a far cry from chasing criminals and raiding drug dens.

But Lothian and Borders' finest are swapping their notebooks for songbooks as they prepare for their first public appearances as the only police choir in Scotland.

From constables to chief inspectors, the newly-launched choir – which rehearses every Sunday night at police HQ at Fettes – has already attracted 51 members, from teenagers to those in their 60s. Now members hope other forces in Scotland will follow their lead.

The Lothian and Borders Police Choir was set up by Chief Inspector Andrew Russel, after he was inspired by the BBC show Last Choir Standing.

Despite police choirs being popular south of the Border, Scottish forces are better known for their pipe bands than their singing voices.

Ch Insp Russel, who is the conductor and has years of experience in church choirs, said: "It's not what pops into the mind when people think of the police.

"It's unique. We didn't set out with the purpose of being the first in Scotland or leading the way but it is good that we have done that and I would hope that other forces would consider that and come and see what we do.

"After seeing the BBC series, I was sure the police service must have a pool of untapped musical talent and, after advertising internally, about 30 people turned up to the opening rehearsal. Since then we've expanded to just over 50 members.

"I definitely feel that professional organisations of all kinds should consider starting choirs. It's a great leveller, breaks barriers and the creation of a fantastic sound from a diverse group of people really brings hearts and minds together."

The choir has been practising its repertoire since it first formed last October, but aside from a performance at Fettes in front of friends and family, officers have yet to share their singing voices with members of the public.

They have events planned over the next few months, including the Mela Festival, which takes place from 7-9 August in Pilrig Park.

Members hope to wow audiences with their four-part renditions of songs including Shine by Take That, Hallelujah by Alexandra Burke, Bridge Over Trouble Water by Simon and Garfunkel and their medley of Abba classics.

Chief Insp Russel added: "People have preconceptions that a choir only does Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart but it's much more modern material that we are tackling."

Rachel Greaves, general secretary of The Association of British Choral Directors, said: "There are quite a lot of police choirs in England. A lot of them do charity concerts and raise money for good causes so there's a lot of money going into the community as a result.

"Many people find that whatever they have been doing during the day and whatever stress they have gone through, singing in the evening is the best way of getting rid of that stress, so I'm sure it's ideal for police officers."

CRIMINAL RECORDS

Some of the songs the choir may not be singing...

I Fought The Law The Bobby Fuller Four

Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson

Gangsters The Specials

Breaking The Law Judas Priest

Watching the Detectives Elvis Costello

Bankrobber The Clash

Karma Police Radiohead

Cops and Robbers The Hoosiers

Murder By Numbers The Police

The Laughing Policeman Charles Penrose

Police and Thieves Junior Murvin

Thieves Like Us New Order