The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band is back to Monday practices as of January 2 - if you're keen to come out and join up with the Sons, drop us a line at sospb@sospb.com - Canada's oldest civilian pipe band celebrating its 116th anniversary in 2012. 
Champion people, Champion Music! www.sospb.com

Many local groups hold events throughout January to mark Robbie Burns Birthday, January 25.  Visit the event calendar to see if there's one for you!

For something different and educational, visit http://kistoriches.com/gd/  to listen to interesting Scottish and Gaelic songs, music, stories, poetry and facts in English and Scots Gaelic!

A wonderful selection of photos of Scotland - http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/visual-arts/scotland_in_pictures_autumn_1_1916493 

There is a new site with 7000 pipe tunes for everyone to use free of charge; visit www.ceolsean.net to see what a great resource there is available.

Bethany Bisaillion is releasing her 15th cd on October 19 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...Looking for a great Christmas present?  Only a few left on sale....email me anytime for your copy.

Visit the new, revamped Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ottawa's website at www.ppbso-ottawa.org for information on piping and drumming in the Ottawa region.

The Gaelic Society of Ottawa is always looking for new members; visit them at http://www.gaidhligottawa.ca/ for more information on this great group of people.

The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band are pleased to be welcoming many new players for the upcoming season.  2012 will see some new and interesting events added to their great calendar including the launch of their new youth pipe band with an inaugural performance at a very prestigious Ottawa venue, a massed pipe band for the 100th Grey Cup Parade in Toronto in November, and so much more!  Beginner to advanced players are welcomed to get in touch with Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion anytime at sospb@sospb.com  We are the Sons!

The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band is hosting its annual St. Andrew's Day Celeidh on Saturday, December 8t, 2012 at our new venue - the Royal Canadian Legion in Vanier at 294 Cyr Avenue.  Free parking, 3 course dinner, lots of entertainment, silent auction, cash bar and lot of fun for everyone -tickets only $20.00, $10.00 for under 16's available by mail from the band at sospb@sospb.com and at the door. 

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 more.

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 Sons of Scotland Pipe Band are pleased to announce the 8th annual 'B In The Park' concert is taking place on Thursday, August 2, 2012 in Major's Hill Park in Ottawa.  The bands joining the Sons of Scotland this year include the Waratah Warriors from Australia!
The show starts at 6:30 pm but you are urged to arrive earlier to get a good spot - bring along your lawnchair and a blanket and a few friends who like pipe bands - there's something for everyone!
More bands to be confirmed soon, as well as our wonderful door prize. 
Tickets are only $10.00 for the show and are available through the band at sospb@sospb.com from both Ottawa locations of the Scottish and Irish Store www.scottishandirishstore.com and at the concert.

Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion is pleased to announce she played for and presented a tune to the Royal Couple during their visit to Canada.

Be sure to make plans to head to the Montreal Highland Games on Sunday, August 5, 2012 in Pierrefonds, Quebec.  Visit www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca for more information on this terrific games!

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.

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.