SFU strengthens roster further with MacHatties
The 78th Fraser Highlanders’ loss is Simon Fraser University’s gain, with James MacHattie joining the 2009 World Pipe Band Champions after a decision to move from Toronto to British Columbia. Kylie MacHattie, who has played with the 78th Fraser Highlanders, will also join SFU.
James MacHattie played with the 78th Frasers for the last two years after departing the Grade 1 Toronto Police Pipe Band in 2007 where he was Pipe-Major for three years, winning North American Championships in 2004 and 2006. At the time the MacHatties’ intention was to move to British Columbia, but they decided to stay in Toronto.
After joining the 78th Fraser Highlanders, James MacHattie was responsible for much of the band’s tuning and musical arrangements. He is originally from western Canada.
“We have joined SFU, but moving back to BC really has nothing to do with pipe bands,” James MacHattie said. “It’s simply time to go home and be closer to family, settle down, look ahead longer term.”
pipes|drums recently reported several roster moves at SFU. The addition of James and Kylie MacHattie brings the band’s roster of pipers to 29.
“I have met many wonderful people in my piping career, and James and Kylie are at the top of the tree,” said 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe-Major Bill Livingstone. “They are kind, funny, talented and totally honourable.”
The 78th Fraser Highlanders have reportedly enjoyed a post-season “influx of youth,” according to a source.
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