International performers parade Dumfries in final stop of Scottish tour
International performers have paraded the streets of Dumfries in their final stop of their Scottish tour which included performing for King Charles.
In their fifth visit to the town, the Pipes and Drums of Canada performed to locals on the streets of Dumfries on 30 August 2024.
Around 22 pipers, six drummers, seven colour guards and 41 supporters of their parade set off along the High Street from the Loreburn Centre, heading towards the Plainstaines.
The Canadian band has performed around the world, making its first tour of Scotland in 1979.
Christopher MacDougald, lead pipe manager of the Canadian pipes, says there are up to 12 bands involved with their Scottish tour.
He said: "Most of them are from Ontario right now. This is our last performance for our two week tour.
"This is the biggest crowd, we always have a bigger crowd here in Dumfries than any other location."
The famous band played for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 2015. The Pipes and Drums of Canada also performed in front of King Charles at Balmoral on 28 August 2024.
Christopher said: "We played The Third March for King Charles which was written for his coronation.
"He is very personable. He came to talk to me first and then met a few members of the band, and he went over to every supporter and shook their hand.
"Everybody was thrilled, it made their day because we're usually the ones to get all the glory. But they were so thrilled to have him do that, he's a very nice person."
Answering why the Canadian band tours in Scotland, he said: "It's part of our heritage. All of us play pipes and drums here and spectators often have links to Canada.
"We play a slow air set of Scots Wha Hae into Flower of Scotland, Massacre of Glencoe, Road To The Isles.
"You will hear that in our performance. And we've had many comments even from the visit. The head of the National Society of Piping here, he said it was the best version he's heard because everybody could sing to it."
The band has performed in events such as the Braemar Gathering, Edinburgh Festival Cavalcade, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Pipes and Drums of Canada was founded in 1974 under the direction of Senior Pipe Major Ross Baxter, of the Collingwood Legion Pipe Band.
He wanted the band to travel across the world showcasing Canada, Ontario and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Collingwood remains at the centre of the band, but over the years, pipers and drummers from other provinces of Canada have joined it.
The Provost of Dumfries Councillor Maureen Johnstone welcomed the band led by Pipe Major Chris MacDougald.
Cllr Maureen Johnston said: “I will be delighted to welcome The Pipes and Drums of Canada back to Dumfries. Previous visits have certainly been a highlight in terms of music and colourful spectacle.
"It will be a pleasure for the town of Dumfries to host our Canadian visitors and I urge as many people as possible to come and welcome them back once more with the spirit of Guid Nychburris sounding a clear welcome.”
Their 2024 tour has included performances in Stirling, Scone Palace, Dunfermline, Pitlochry, Balmoral, Blairgowrie, Oban and Dumfries.
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