Who is Sukhvinder 'Suki' Singh Sunger? Sikh Officer creates history at Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Sikh Officer creates history at Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Sukhvinder “Suki” Singh Sunger, a Sikh police officer from Canada, has created history on an international stage. He became the first turbaned Sikh Drum Major to lead a performance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland.

Leading the Vancouver Police Pipe Band at the famous Edinburgh Castle, Sunger brought together two powerful cultural traditions Scottish pipe-band heritage and Sikh identity. For Punjabis and Sikhs around the world, his achievement is a proud reminder that cultural roots can shine anywhere in the world.

Meet Sukhvinder Suki Singh Sunger, First Turbaned Sikh Drum Major

Sunger was raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. According to a profile published by Darpan, he began his policing career as a reserve constable with the Victoria Police Department before joining the Vancouver Police Department in 2002.

He has served the Vancouver Police Department for more than two decades, mainly working in traffic enforcement. He also holds a diploma in criminal justice and has served as a United Nations peacekeeper in South Sudan.

But policing is only one part of Sunger’s journey. He is also an important member of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band.

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From Tenor Drum to Drum Major

Sunger joined the Vancouver Police Pipe Band around 2018–19 and became its first Sikh member and first person of colour. He initially played the tenor drum and later added the Punjabi dhol to his performances. In December 2025, he was elected Drum Major for a three-year term. This role places him at the front of the band, where he leads musicians during major performances and ceremonies.

His journey also has a special connection with Punjab. In 2019, Sunger travelled to India with the band during its tour marking the 100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The band performed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Guru Nanak Dev University and other places in Punjab.

When Dastaar Meets Scottish Tartan

At Edinburgh Castle, Sunger wore the band’s traditional Royal Stewart tartan kilt along with a specially designed ceremonial dastaar. The sight of a Sikh Drum Major in Scottish Highland dress became a powerful symbol of cultural unity.

His appearance showed that celebrating one tradition does not mean giving up another. His dastaar proudly represented his Sikh identity, while the kilt honoured the centuries-old Scottish tradition.

History is Made

The Vancouver Police Pipe Band, founded in 1914, is the oldest continuously serving non-military pipe band in British Columbia. With Sunger leading it on one of the world’s most famous ceremonial stages, both the band and Sikh representation have reached a new milestone. It is a proud image of identity, service and cultural confidence showing the world that traditions can stand together and become even more powerful.