The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band from Ottawa, Canada, had the great honour this past August to visit Scotland to perform at a number of events including the World Pipe Band Championships, at Blair Atholl and Stirling Castles, as Canadian representatives in the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Pre-Worlds Parade through Glasgow, and in their Edinburgh day which included a show at Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the home of Her Majesty The Queen when she’s in Edinburgh.
They also played in a parade with their friends in the Caledonian Brewery Pipe Band in support of the Royal Blind Charity.
But truly a highlight for the band, their many step and highland dancers and guests, was the trip to Balmoral Castle on August 19 to perform for Her Majesty The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children.
The sun came out as the band played a concert in the back garden, and after the performance, the Royal family greeted the guests and then met with the performers in the cottage on the grounds for a reception. The Queen asked after all the Canadian bands, and was pleased to hear what a great number of pipe bands had travelled over from the Ottawa region.
It was a truly magnificent occasion, one the members of the band will never forget, and they are so pleased to have so many talented dancers join them, and guests enjoy the day.
Bethany Bisaillion Pipe Major, The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band Ottawa, Canada www.sospb.com
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