KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame located in Williamstown recently inducted its 2026 members, celebrating their efforts in sharing, promoting and helping to immortalize that unique Glengarry sound. This year, four individuals and one group were recognized for their talent in music and their contribution to furthering the culture of Glengarry.
This was the 21st Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame induction dinner.
Inductee Colin MacLennan is the son of a famous piper and has carried on that tradition of excellence in his own piping career, winning numerous awards, judging pipe band competitions, serving on piping associations and teaching others to play. In North Glengarry, Colin MacLennan was integral in the Glengarry Pipe Band’s win of the Grade 4 North American Pipe Band Championships in 1988 and eventually elevating its standings to world recognition at the Grade 2 level. He was the piping teacher at three local high schools, when playing bagpipes was a high school credit, and was fundamental in advancing bagpipe tutoring at the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming (GSPB). MacLennan hopes the example set during his time with the Glengarry Pipe Band and the School continues still, where students learn from the best and have the chance to reach for the world.
The Morris Family has brought joy to many people, preserving the Celtic tradition in Glengarry through song. Along with their 10 children, Howard and Gwen Morris established the group to entertain at concerts and community fêtes for over 50 years, sharing their incredible voices. The family has recorded three albums, appeared at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, taken part in church performances, musical theatre and teaching, helping to establish the next generation of talented singers in Glengarry. Don Morris, who spoke on behalf of his siblings, said the family stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before and thanked their parents who shared the gift of music and song that soothes the soul and maintains a link to the past.
Jim McRae’s commitment to singing has spanned decades of performing at events throughout the region. He has shared his voice with choirs, as a soloist and at shows such as Music & Mayhem. McRae continues to bring music to the community, with a special focus on Celtic songs. His is a legacy of generosity, dedication and a voice that is soft and gentle or can raise the roof when needed. From hay wagons to concert halls, McRae said his gift in music has given him a chance to meet many generous people and to experience wonderful things.
The late Catherine Jean MacLeod was a woman with a gift for singing. She travelled weekly to six different schools, teaching piano and voice until she was invited to establish a program by the Lancaster school board. MacLeod helped to form local glee clubs in Glengarry that participated in music festivals in Cornwall and Ottawa. She took groups to summer church socials to provide entertainment. Her commitment to Glengarry’s music lives on through the voices she helped train and the admiration of those involved in the music industry.
The late John Allan MacMillan was born and raised in Glengarry, with deep Scottish family roots of early settlers to the area. He was a master fiddler, whose ability showcased incredible talent and reflected traditional Scottish fiddle playing. He was known as the “Champion Fiddler of SDG,” with many awards achieved and was recognized in the 1960s as the holder of authentic Scottish Canadian musical tradition by the National Museum of Canada. John Allan MacMillan continued to play in his senior years, and his family fondly reflected on house parties with furniture moved, rugs rolled up and the community dancing to Celtic fiddle music performed by John and his children.
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