Author Archives: Mike Chisholm

About Mike Chisholm

Official Piper: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours. Pitt River Resort. Exec. Dir. BC Highland Games & Scot. Fest. Director, BC Pipers' Assn. Former journalist, Nova Scotian, Dad.

Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Bagpiper on the job

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Mike Chisholm

TweetIt’s a busy year at the Rocky Mountaineer. Record number of guests from the US, UK, India, China and many other countries are discovering the luxury train through the mountains. I am pleased to be playing for my 8th season … Continue reading →

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Shamrocks and Thistles, bagpipes and bodhran’s in downtown Vancouver

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Mike Chisholm

TweetIt may be St. Patrick’s Day, but when the Celtic nations get together for a party, it’ll be tough to miss the Scots. Downtown Vancouver will resonate with music this weekend as the 2017 Vancouver Celtic Festival kicks off on … Continue reading →

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The End of an Era at Vancouver’s Bagpipe Repair Shop

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Mike Chisholm

TweetWe all knew it was coming, and now it’s official. After a long career as Vancouver’s go-to bagpipe doctor, Mike McDonald is retiring. In a letter to customers, he says he is going to  “try to take advantage of the … Continue reading →

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First ivory restrictions on bagpipes. Now African blackwood.

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Mike Chisholm

TweetThere’s a good reason forward-thinking countries have banned or tightly control the over-the-border movement of products that contain ivory, such as bagpipes. A proper certificate for an ivory/silver set of pipes is a hassle, but worth it if it slows … Continue reading →

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Remembrance Week Bagpipes Salute Veterans & Canada

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Mike Chisholm

TweetA beautiful tune, played by PM Matt MacIsaac, with PM Katie Buckland and a Canadian Forces pipe band from a concert in November, 2012. A perfect way to commemorate a week of remembrance for our veterans and for our country.

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A #Vancouver Bagpiper in the November Rain

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Mike Chisholm

TweetIt may appear meditative, or a bit reflective, but a bagpiper playing under the grey, overcast skies of November in Vancouver is likely thinking about the weather. The warm days of spring, summer and early fall are behind us. Now it’s time … Continue reading →

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BC Pipers on the Great Wall of China

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Mike Chisholm

TweetIt was an amazing trip full of music, dancing, friendships, an engagement, a loss and a lot of memories. From September 26 to October 3, 2016, almost 30 RCMP pipers, drummers, dancers and their spouses from BC, Edmonton and Regina … Continue reading →

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Bagpiping at weddings in Vancouver and beyond

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Mike Chisholm

TweetHave you thought about walking down the aisle to the skirl of the great highland bagpipes? If so, you are not alone. In the past year, there has been a resurgence of brides and couples inquiring about adding cultural and musical … Continue reading →

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