Champion pipers drum up support in band battle; EXCLUSIVE By NORMAN SILVESTER.

THE battle to save Scotland's most famous pipe band has been boosted by MSPs.

Strathclyde Police band - five times world champions - have been told to spend less time piping.

Supporters warn the band could fold within weeks and morale is said to be at rock bottom.

SNP West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan will join a delegation tomorrow presenting a petition to Strathclyde Chief Constable Steve House opposing the cuts.

The Sunday Mail revealed in March how band members raised a grievance against their boss, Chief Superintendent Anne McGuire, over plans to downgrade the band and allegations she bullied them.

Since then 10 of the 15 band members have complained of bad treatment.

The petition to save the champion pipers has collected more than 3000 signatures.

McMillan, a piper himself, said: "I am deeply concerned for what is one of Scotland's most famous pipe bands.

"They have been at the top of their game for years and it would be a terrible mistake to see them downgraded." Last year McGuire was asked by House to launch his plan to return more officers to the beat.

As part of that process, pipe band members were told to spend more time on patrol and less on music.

Last week, another senior officer, Chief Supt John Pollock, sparked controversy by saying the band should be axed to save money.

So far, efforts to resolve the grievances - which are being handled internally - have failed..