2020 Updates

In these uncertain times, we hope to help each other with positive actions and future opportunities for fun and friendship.  We are here to help,  to give back and to offer some music where it's needed most. Maybe you have decided it is time to learn the pipes or drums, and with time on your hands, it's a great time to start - we can help you at all steps of the journey from finding a chanter to competing online - and everything in between.

​Get in touch, and do check back in for updates here on upcoming events.  Always working on great things, and looking for great people to join us.  We are here, we are here to help, and we are with you!  Email me at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca


​Lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipes

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If you have always wanted to learn to play the bagpipes, now is the perfect time to start.  Anyone at any age, regardless of their musical knowledge when starting out, can become proficient with the right tutor and lesson plan - and we can get you started.
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You will need a chanter, manuscript paper and about 20 minutes per day to get started, and we can help you along the way with so much you'll need to know and want to learn!
Drop tutor Bethany Bisaillion a line at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca to get started - excellence and fun guaranteed!

​Are you looking for a unique gift for that person keen to learn pipes or drums?  
We have gift certificates for lessons, and advice on where to buy your equipment to begin.
Get in touch anytime - makes a lovely gift any time of year!
PictureThis is Rick Mercer from CBC
Sometimes you get to work with very interesting and wonderful people who aren't in pipe bands.  If you're lucky, you get asked to be part of their day, and you come away with fantastic stories to tell.  
These are some of the people I've had the great pleasure of meeting.

The Caring Canadian Award

The band of the Sons of Scotland were proud to be presented with the Caring Canadian Award in April, 2014 by their Vice Regal Patron, Canada's Governor General David Johnston at a ceremony at Rideau Hall.  The Pipe Majors were both given medals for their roles in supporting music and leadership, Band Manager Robert Derry for his many years in the educational system, Margaret Duffy for her help with seniors and veterans in the community, and dance teacher Katharine Robinson for over 45 years of highland dance instruction.  What a great honour this day was, and the band wears and shares the pins amongst its membership very proudly.
This award has now been changed to the name the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal

Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa by Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012.  She was lucky enough to have her brother join her and her friend Kevin MacLeod, Canadian Secretary to the Queen read her biography in English, French, and Gaelic.

Bagpipes for sale

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  If you are looking for a good quality set of used bagpipes at a good price, drop me a line at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca  All come ready to play and in great condition.

​We also want to hear if you have pipes for sale.

Donating to the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band

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If you want to support the work of the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, please visit the site at www.sospb.com to see the band's work, and email PM Bethany Bisaillion at sospb@sospb.com for more information. The band looks for support for their work in many ways.  We have PayPal on the site now making donating even easier!  We appreciate your support.

The Ottawa City Piping College - new location...

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The Ottawa City Piping College now has a 2nd location in Montreal - contact us at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca  if you want information on beginner chanter lessons or live in Montreal and want assistance there - we can also help you hire a piper or a band in that city.  

60 - A Celebration of the Diamond Jubilee - June, 2012

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A terrific concert held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to mark the 60th year of Her Majesty The Queen as our monarch.  Thank you to everyone who came to take part ~ your support and participation were very much appreciated.  Please visit the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band site at www.sospb.com for photos and video of the day's events.

The Sons of Scotland

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The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band's  terrific drumming and piping program is accepting new players in the fall of each year and throughout the year depending on experience.
Drop us a line if you want to come out at sospb@sospb.com  

Eagle Pipers Society

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The Eagle Pipers' Society was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland by John A. MacLellan, George Stoddart, and Pat Sandeman at the Eagle Bar (now the Ensign Ewart) in 1960. The Society would meet informally to enjoy a bevy and of course some light music and playing of the Ceol Mor. After a worthy period of activity, the Society went into hibernation until awakened recently by Colin MacLellan, Euan Anderson and Iain Speirs (all well known and accomplished pipers). The  Society meets regularly in Edinburgh at the Scots Guards Club. For a full history, please visit The Eagle Pipers' Society history web page at www.eaglepipers.wordpress.com

The Royal Fascinator...

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A long time after June 30, a list was posted for the Royal couple listing all the gifts they were presented on their overseas visit. Among them were the fascinator and vest made by Sons of Scotland piper Madeleine Thompson.  It looks like a British journalist thgught the items were less than wonderful, and wrote just that.  The story was picked up by the Canadian national newspaper The Globe and Mail, and Ms. Thompson decided to defend her position as gift maker and gift giver...and then the story took off even more!  Having been part of the process the entire time, I can say with all certainty that the gifts were made well, they were very suitable, and well received by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Here is the link to the story in the Ottawa Metro on January 13:
http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/canada/article/1070459--canadian-gift-to-royals-comes-under-scrutiny

A new cd...

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Bethany Bisaillion released her 15th cd on October 19, 2012 and it is a compilation cd with performances by herself with many fine musicians and solos from other projects - preorder yours today for only $15.00 with part of the proceeds going towards supporting the Ottawa City Piping College.  Email bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca for your copy today - a limited number will be available.

​Bethany also has a highland dance cd with 40 tracks from fling to Earl of Errol, varying speeds and all on bagpipes - 'Isean' is only $15.00 and will help with practice and presentation!

Annual Scotland Trip - The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band

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Each August the members of the Sons of Scotland take a trip to Scotland to play and compete.  They perform at shows in spectacular venues, for large and appreciative audiences, and they truly represent Canada well.  Guests, highland dancers and other pipers and drummers are welcomed to enquire as to traveling and even performing with the band on their summer journey to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and beyond - each year has different cities that we visit, making each one unique.
​  Contact them at sospb@sospb.com for information on how you can come along to Scotland and Ireland with this great group of folk!

The Royal Visit to Ottawa

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Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion was pleased to be part of the Canadian Citizenship ceremony held July 1 at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.  She played and presented the tune 'St. Andrew's Courtship' for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Royal Visit to Ottawa

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Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion is pleased to announce the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band of Ottawa played for and presented gifts to the Royal Couple during their visit to Canada.

Government of Canada Makes Maple Leaf Tartan an Official Symbol of Canada

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OTTAWA, March 9, 2011 - It's official! Canada's Maple Leaf Tartan, which has been our unofficial national tartan for many years, has now become an official symbol of Canada.

"The Maple Leaf Tartan has been worn proudly and enjoyed by Canadians for decades, but has never been elevated to the level of an official symbol–until now," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our national symbols express our identity and define our history. The Maple Leaf Tartan represents the contributions that the more than four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to our country," added Minister Moore.

The Maple Leaf Tartan was created in 1964 by David Weiser in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967.

"The tartan is one of the most visual expressions of Scottish heritage and culture," said the Honourable John Wallace, Senator (New Brunswick). "Making the Maple Leaf Tartan an official symbol of Canada highlights the many significant contributions that people of Scottish heritage have made to the founding of Canada."

The Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums has adopted the Maple Leaf Tartan, and National Defence Headquarters has approved it for issue for Canadian Forces pipers and drummers who do not have a specific regimental affiliation. It was also featured in costumes worn last year during the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.

On October 21, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that April 6 will be formally recognized as Tartan Day. This April 6, Canadians across the country will be able to celebrate this day with a new official symbol of Canada.

As an official symbol of Canada, the Maple Leaf Tartan joins Canada's most significant emblems, such as the Coat of Arms and the National Flag of Canada.

Minister Moore Officially Declares April 6 as Tartan Day

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 21, 2010) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced today that the Government of Canada will now officially recognize April 6 as Tartan Day.

"A tartan represents a clan, a family, and a community, and is an enduring symbol of Scotland that is cherished by Canadians of Scottish ancestry," said Minister Moore. "Many Canadian provinces and other countries already celebrate Tartan Day. As well, through Tartan Day, Canadians will have an opportunity to learn more about the various cultures that comprise Canadian society."

Tartan Day originated in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, where it was declared an official day by the provincial government. It then spread across the country, with many provinces joining in. This marks the first time the Day has been recognized by the federal government.

"By officially recognizing this Day, we encourage Canadians all across the country to celebrate the contributions that over four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to the foundation of our country," said Senator John Wallace, who recently introduced a bill in the Senate in support of nationally declaring Tartan Day.

In Canada, Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6, the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence. Tartan Day celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and sports, and other Scottish-themed events.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.

A Highland Slideshow