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The sights and sounds of Scotland will once again fill Carleton Place next month, with the return of the Community Scottish Tattoo.
The event takes place Sunday, September 20th, beginning at noon on the grounds beside the Captain A. Roy Brown Royal Canadian Legion Branch 192 at 177 George Street.
Organizers say this year’s Tattoo will be one of the largest gatherings of Pipe Bands and Highland Dancers in Carleton Place since the event began about 32 years ago. Organizer Ron Goebel sets the scene.
The MacEóin-Ramsay Pipe Band will serve as the Duty Band, with Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums Drum Major Darryl Lim serving as Senior Drum Major. Organizers say the Duty Band is a competition band that has earned several awards in piping and drumming competitions.
The public is invited to attend and enjoy an afternoon of traditional Scottish music and dance.
BBQ food and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon in the Legion’s shaded backyard. Seating is limited, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Pets will not be permitted on the Legion grounds, except for recognized certified service dogs.
Parking will be limited because space is needed for the participating bands and volunteers. Leduc Bus Lines has donated a shuttle bus to help people get to and from the event. The shuttle will run from the Carleton Place Farmers Market Square parking lot at Lake Avenue East and Beckwith Street. Pickups will be at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m., with return trips expected at approximately 4, 4:30 and 5 p.m., depending on when the Tattoo wraps up.
There will also be road closures in the area. Morphy Street will be closed from Mullet Street to Ramsay Street, while Ramsay Street will be closed from Morphy Street to George Street. Drivers are asked not to park on either street, and pedestrians are asked not to gather on the streets or sidewalks.
The Pipe Bands will gather on Morphy Street before marching along Ramsay Street and onto the playing field for the afternoon performances. Goebel says anyone who loves the music of Scotland can’t miss this event.
The major sponsor for the event is TES — Tops Environmental Solutions — with additional support from the Town of Carleton Place and other local businesses.
Organizers say the Community Scottish Tattoo is a celebration of Scottish heritage and a chance for the entire community to come together while also marking 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion. Listen to our entire conversation with Goebel below.
Story by Brian Turner
