Formed 1946 by appointment of Commissioner William John MacKay the band consisted of experienced pipers and drummers who were serving members of NSW Police with Scottish heritage. Honouring their founder and patron, the band adopted the ancient tartan and crest of Clan MacKay. The clan motto, "Manu Forti," translates as, "with a strong hand."

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The first official band engagement was the Newcastle Centenary Celebrations in September 1947, starting a successful period seeing the band travelling extensively within New South Wales, and performances in Victoria and Queensland. 

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An invitation to all Australian police pipe bands in 1975 led to a tour the United Kingdom performing at the Royal Tournament Earls Court; the Colchester Searchlight Tattoo and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A highlight experience in the band's proud history.

The first 30 years of the band saw success competitions playing Grade 1 throughout 66 contests for 40 successful titles of 1st place (this included the first two Australian championships to be held in 1961 and 1962). Quite notable achievements.

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1989 saw the Minister for Police directing the Commissioner to disband several full time Community Relations units, which unfortunately included the Pipe Band.

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​A group of the band's ex members reformed unofficially for the Anzac Day March in 1990 and 1991. The band has continued since on a volunteer basis, achieving great results, maintaining the well-established reputation within the NSW Police Force and community.

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The band made substantial contributions with the Police Musical Ride in two Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoos  in Sydney during 2005 and 2010.

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In 2017, the band returned to Scotland performing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 'A Splash of Tartan,' representing the NSW Police Force in the 1500 strong cast from around the world.

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Again, in 2019, the band featured in, "All Points of the Compass," the world’s largest production of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium to over 100,000 spectators.

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Last year the band was engaged to perform all 12 nights of the Royal Easter show as part of the evening spectacular with the Stockman’s Ride.

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The band continues to contribute to important events including the Queen’s Birthday Celebrations and Police Attestation Parades.  The band's commitment encouraging young talent, has seen our partnership with The Scots School Albury give student pipers and drummers opportunities to perform with us at important events.

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In our 75th Anniversary Year the band remains a volunteer police unit consisting of retired police, community members, former Scots College, and PLC Sydney students.  The band is grateful for the continued support of the NSW Police Force and their families.