Sons of Scotland band receives Governor-General patronage

The Governor-General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, has accepted an invitation from Ottawa’s Grade 4 Sons of Scotland Pipe Band to be its patron, recognizing “the success and dedication of . . . Canada’s oldest civilian pipe band.”

 

Sons of Scotland Pipe-Major Bethany Bisaillion said that she believes that it may be the first time that a Canadian Governor-General has agreed to be an official patron of a pipe band, but was sure that it is a first for Jean.

 

Canada’s Governor-General is the official representative of Queen Elizabeth II, and performs many similar functions on behalf of the country. She recently met with United States President Barack Obama on his visit to Ottawa.

 

“[We’re] proud of the Vice Regal Patronage the band has received,” said Bisaillion, “and recognize the Sons are only one of many local pipe bands who work very hard in the region. Having a strong teaching and performance program is important to the bands’ success, and with excellent working relationships with many organizations both in Canada and Scotland the band looks forward to more successful events and years to come.”

 

Bissaillion said that the patronage does not include any funding, and that Jean may attend band performances as her schedule permits.

 

The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band plan a return trip to Scotland this summer. The band journeyed there in 2005 and performed for the Queen at Balmoral.