By Helen McArdle

A REPORT into the cost of Strathclyde Police's world-beating pipe band claims it causes "considerable" disruption to frontline services.

The report also highlights the "considerable strain" placed on the force's overtime budget by having to cover the time officers spend practising and performing.

Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson, the report's author, said cost efficiencies introduced since 2007 have already seen funding for the band cut by 78%, from £42,477 in 2007/8 to just £9235 this year.

Efforts to ensure band members spend more time as frontline police have seen the average hours officers spend on duty increase by 32% in two years.

Chief Constable Steve House admitted last month Scotland's largest police force was facing an "absolutely dire" funding crisis, with a suspected budget shortfall of £34.7million in 2010/11.

However, the squeeze on the band - former winners of the World Pipe Band Championship - has provoked outrage in the piping community.

In February, it was claimed the future of the band was being jeopardised when it emerged it would only be allowed to play at two of the big five events in the pipe band calendar.

The band was later told it could take part in all five events but in June, Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, and Robbie Wallace, principal of the Glasgow College of Piping, delivered a 3000-strong petition to Mr House urging him to rethink restrictions on practice sessions and competitions.

Mr McMillan said: "Any attempt to hamper what the band can do will certainly diminish the band's capabilities and credibility."

There are currently 11 full-time band members, supplemented by around 30 guest players - typically retired cops or officers from other forces.

Strathclyde Police Authority foots the bill for all travel, accommodation, equipment, and admin costs.

Mr Neilson's report for the SPA says that "no matter how much income is generated by performing at commercial events, it is never sufficient to cover the cost."

In particular, it cites the clash between the increased policing demand in Glasgow on weekends - where members are based - with the fact the "majority" of band commitments take place at weekends. The need to re-roster shifts causes "further disruption", the report says.

Mr Neilson will present his full report to the chief constable in November.