Sikh constable makes history, leads Vancouver cop band at Edinburgh parade

Constable Sukhvinder 'Suki' Singh Sunger of the Vancouver Police Department has made history as the first turbaned Sikh drum major to lead the Vancouver Police Pipe Band at the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. The annual event, themed 'A Call to Gather', showcased military bands and cultural performers from around the world, running from August 7 to 29 in Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Sunger, who joined the band in 2018-2019 as its first Sikh member and first person of colour, directed the Canadian band during its fourth appearance at the Tattoo. The band, the oldest continuously serving non-military pipe band in British Columbia, featured traditional Highland dress paired with a turban for Sunger.