KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
The Quigley Highlanders, North Glengarry’s community ambassador pipes and drums band, hosted an afternoon of Celtic entertainment and gathering at the Lochiel Centre. The “Quigley Wiggly,” as it is often referred to, has become an annual event for close to 20 years.
Originally an evening get-together and fundraiser for the band, this year’s party featured Stewart’s Glen, with Paddy Kelly, Noel Campbell, Dan Leroux and Alastair Love, entertaining with favourite Celtic tunes such as Wild Mountain Thyme and Mairi’s Wedding, along with some of their own compositions. Kelly encouraged everyone to participate in the Grand March, a procession that celebrates a Scottish ceilidh.
The Highlanders took centre position, marching in to a medley starting with the famous Scotland the Brave. Highlanders President Lynne MacGillivray and Pipe Sergeant Ewen MacPherson hoped that the day would serve as an afternoon of music, community and friendship.
Ewen MacDonald said the Highlanders were formed by the trustees of the former cheese factory that had been located at Quigley’s Corners, now Lochiel. Remaining funds after the closing of the cheese factory were invested in a community band. In 2002, the Quigley Highlanders Pipes & Drum band was officially presented at the Glengarry Highland Games, participating in the massed bands side-by-side with 1,500 pipers and drummers.
The Highlanders are supported by the Alexandria Legion Branch 423 whose President Brian Caddell and First Vice President Martin Doyle presented a $1,000 cheque to the group.
The band is provided free practice space at the Legion and often puts on small performances for members on a practice afternoon. The Highlanders take part in the Concerts at the Grotto in Alexandria each summer, attend Remembrance Day services, harvest festivals and, of course, participate in the Highland Games in Maxville. The Quigley Pipe Band continues to prove it was worth the investment from the Quigley Corners cheese factory 24 years ago and is a great asset to North Glengarry.
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