History Series: This article is part of a "series within a series" where, in the lead up to and during what would normally be the Glengarry Highland Games weekend, we are happy to share some articles on the event, its history, and some of the people who have helped make it what it is.
Check out our article on the late Connie Blaney, and our feature on the birth of the Games.
Enjoy!
This biography was written by Matt Goral, with input from Trudy Young and Gilbert.
Gilbert Young has been a long-time contributor for over sixty years in the piping and drumming community, both as a performer and as a leader, throughout Eastern Ontario.
For the past 21 years, Gilbert has assumed the role of Pipe Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pipes, Drums and Dancers, National Division, from Ottawa under the direction of P/M Graeme Ogilvie.
One of the biggest impacts Gilbert has had on Piping and Drumming is through his volunteer work with the Glengarry Highland Games. Under the recommendation of P/M Pat Hayes (OPS) in 2000 Gilbert accepted the position of Director of Tattoo Bands, succeeding P/M John MacKenzie. In 2002, Gilbert succeeded Lynne MacGillivray as the Director of Bands.
This important portfolio involves coordination, and cooperation, of numerous directors and includes a close liaison with the Pipers' and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO). Duties for the Directors of Bands include the scheduling of more than thirty stewards and judges for each of the Friday and Saturday competitions.