The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band
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our royal performances

It has been asked many times how the pipe band has secured the opportunities to play for Her Majesty The Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and the answer is both simple and kind.  Our Pipe Major is not afraid to ask for this honor, and she recognizes how important this is for so many people, and that an afternoon at that magnificent Castle is a highlight for us all - and Her Majesty is both generous and thoughtful with her time and her staff's support in planning this wonderful opportunity goes beyond all expectations.  Every trip is different, and they are all so special.  
We are very happy to be performing one more time for Her Majesty The Queen at Balmoral Castle on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

It is so sombre that our performance was the last we would have for Her Majesty.  We are so grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity, and we hope she enjoyed the concert as much as we did.  Such pride, so much song and dance, and we all are better off for being there.  God Save.
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royal performance, 2005
balmoral castle, ballater, scotland

The Royal Visit to Canada, 2010

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Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion and many of her younger pupils had the wonderful opportunity to present flowers and gifts to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the National Arts Centre on June 30, 2010.  Pipe Major Bisaillion
also presented Her Majesty with a copy of a tune written in her honour titled 'The Royal Rant' which the band played in its medley in 2010

The Queen and I - with Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion, CBC Television, Canada

The Royal Visit to Canada, 2011

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On June 30, the band had the wonderful opportunity to perform at Rideau Hall for the first visit to Canada by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  They played for the youth bbq in the gardens, and afterwards Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion and piper Madeleine Thompson presented gifts handmade by Ms. Thompson to the Royal couple.  They were delighted with the wonderful, thoughtful waistcoat and fascinator adorned with the Maple leaf tartan, as were the other guests - His Excellency Governor General David Johnston and his wife, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife.  It was a wonderful occasion for many members of the pipe band and one they'll always remember..

St. Andrew's Courtship

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Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion had the opportunity to compose a tune for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their visit to Canada.  In collaboration with her brother Lochie, they wrote a 2/4 hornpipe titled 'St. Andrew's Courtship' which the couple liked very much. 

​It was a great honour for her to play the tune for them, and to present it to them afterwards. Here is the link to the CPAC site, and watch at 10:00 minutes in to hear the tune mentioned, and the reaction by the Duchess of Cambridge.  Lovely!!   Download the Video

Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion on CBC radio's All in a Day.


Listen to Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion's breaking interview with Alan Neal on CBC's All In a Day where she describes what it was like to meet and perform for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, August 19th, 2013 (link above)

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Check out the piece aired by CBC News   Ottawa: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Ottawa/ID/2399839028/

As well as a clip from CTVs Canada AM:  
http://canadaam.ctvnews.ca/canadian-bagpipers-prepare-to-play-for-the-queen-in-scotland-1.1399472


2013 royal performance
​Balmoral castle, ballater, scotland

2015 royal performance with the canadian massed pipes and drums
​balmoral castle, ballater, scotland

​2018 royal performance
balmoral castle, ballater, scotland

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A wonderful article by The Countess of Wessex on the occasion of our visit.


Vice regal patronages 

Since 2009, the pipe band has enjoyed having as their Vice Regal Patron Canada's Governor General.  This is a true honour for the Sons.
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HER EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JULIE PAYETTE, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.Q., C.D. GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA

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The Right Honourable David Johnston PC CC CMM COM CD FRSC(hon) FRCPSC(hon)
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Michaëlle Jean PC CC CMM COM CD FRCPSC
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