There’s nothing like a room full of bagpiper and drummers to get your heart – and a season underway. The first competition of the piping season in the Pacific Northwest was successfully launched last weekend in Surrey. Â The BC Pipers’ Association Annual Gathering was held at Clayton Heights Secondary School in Surrey on the Easter …
The plaid is a sure sign of spring in British Columbia. Starting this weekend, the French Canadian community in the Lower Mainland is the first to host a festival that has been going strong for 40 years.  The Festival du Bois takes place the March  5 weekend in Coquitlam, and is the kick-off event of …
Read more “Shamrocks, four leaf clovers and bagpipes: St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver”
After more than a month of non-stop rain and grey skies, the sun has returned (temporarily, I’m sure) to the lower south west corner of British Columbia. And that means only one thing – spring is around the corner. Already,  the snow drops are blooming in my front yard, and the bushes are sprouting new green …
It can be a lot of fun piping in a new year in British Columbia, especially at 4 o’clock on New Year’s Eve. When the clock chimes 4 pm in BC, it’s rings midnight in Scotland. And when Scotland celebrates, so too do folks here in BC.  For years, families, friends and groups have been meeting at pubs around the …
On Remembrance Day, 2015, the people of our country will pause to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. As I have for many years, I will play the piper’s Remembrance Day lament at a number of ceremonies, including the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.  But at each one, I will remember the most influential veteran …
On a windswept piece of landscaped rough, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its pounding surf, as golfers and guests gather to wrap up their day and reminisce about their drives and putts, they witness a beautiful sight and sound as a bagpiper strolls along the fairway at sunset, playing the sun down with haunting airs …
Read more “Bagpiping & golf: the sounds of Scotland in the New World”
Looking to satisfy that summer urge for piping, kilts and haggis? British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest is the place to be in 2015. It all starts this weekend with the annual Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival which kicks off the outdoor piping and drumming competitive season with a three day event at Topaz …
Read more “Seven great 2015 Scottish highland games & festivals near Vancouver”