[1] The band enjoyed a good reputation, and was recognised nationally for its quality.

[2][3] It wore a tartan designed and hand-spun by the Chief Constable and played two concerts annually to raise funds.

[2] The chief constable's kilt was after the pattern of hodden-grey but with a purple stripe.

[1] Gray was succeeded in 1932 by John MacDonald, a student of Gray for many years and also a Gold Medal winner, having won at both the Argyllshire Gathering and the Northern Meeting within a week.

[1][5] Under Angus MacDonald the band won every major championship except the Worlds.

[6] Under MacLellan and leading drummer Alex Connell the band won the World Championships in 1976 and 1979, being placed second to Dysart and Dundonald in 1977 and 1978.

[6] In 1987, the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Canada became the first band based outside Scotland to win the title, and Simon Fraser University, also from Canada, came second, pushing Strathclyde Police into third place.

[12][13][14][15] Bradford and pipe-sergeant Duncan Nicholson resigned in protest, but returned in January 2010 after a new funding agreement was reached.