Canadian police constable Sukhvinder “Suki” Singh Sunger has made history at the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo by becoming the first turbaned Sikh Drum Major to lead a performance at the iconic event in Scotland.Sunger, a member of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), led the Vancouver Police Pipe Band onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade during the annual spectacle, which brings together military bands, musicians and cultural performers from across the world.
Who is Sukhvinder ‘Suki’ Singh Sunger?
Sunger is a police constable with the Vancouver Police Department in British Columbia, Canada. Raised in Victoria, he began his policing career as a reserve constable with the Victoria Police Department before joining the VPD in 2002.He has served with the Vancouver Police Department for more than two decades, primarily as a traffic enforcement officer. He holds a diploma in criminal justice and has also served as a United Nations peacekeeper in South Sudan.Beyond policing, Sunger is a prominent member of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, where he serves as Drum Major.
Sikh identity meets Scottish tradition
Sunger appeared in the band’s traditional Highland dress, wearing a Royal Stewart tartan kilt along with a specially designed ceremonial dastaar instead of the conventional feather bonnet.His appearance brought together two distinct cultural traditions — Sikh identity and Scottish pipe-band heritage — on one of the world’s most recognised ceremonial stages.The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, themed “A Call to Gather”, ran from August 7 to 29. Sunger made his debut at the event while leading the Vancouver Police Pipe Band in its fourth appearance.
From tenor drum to Drum Major
Sunger joined the Vancouver Police Pipe Band around 2018-19, becoming its first Sikh member and first person of colour. He initially played the tenor drum before adding the Punjabi dhol to his performances.In December 2025, he was elected Drum Major for a three-year term, placing him at the front of the band as its leader during major performances and ceremonies.
Sunger’s special connection with Punjab
Sunger travelled to India with the Vancouver Police Pipe Band in 2019 during its tour marking the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.The band performed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Guru Nanak Dev University and other venues in Punjab. During the tour, Sunger performed on both the Scottish tenor drum and Punjabi dhol, including an arrangement of “Sare Jahan Se Accha”.
A milestone for Sikh representation
Founded in 1914, the Vancouver Police Pipe Band is the oldest continuously serving non-military pipe band in British Columbia.Sunger’s appearance at Edinburgh Castle has drawn attention to Sikh representation in public service and international cultural events. His turban and beard alongside traditional Highland dress offered a striking representation of two distinct cultural traditions coming together on a global stage.
