Ottawa and Eastern Ontario at Maxville

By Jen Hill

Volunteer Director James Obi with one of our volunteers at the SSO Booth

Just a few weeks before the North Lanark Highland Games in Almonte, the Scottish community gathered in even greater numbers at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville.

Held July 31 and August 1, the 2026 Games drew an impressive 61 pipe bands and 1,447 pipers and drummers — the largest pipe-band turnout at Maxville in more than a decade. One of the great sights of the weekend came when the massed bands filled the infield, led by World Champion Drum Major Emma Barr.

Ottawa and Eastern Ontario had a strong presence throughout the weekend, not only in the band competitions, but also in solo piping and drumming, Highland dancing and the heavy events.

The Ottawa Highlanders Pipes and Drums had an especially strong showing in the North American Pipe Band Championships, finishing second overall in Grade 2. They also placed second in the Medley and third in the MSR.

Ottawa Caledonian Pipes & Drums were back on the Maxville field as well, this time competing in Grade 4 after winning the Grade 5 North American Championship there in 2024. They finished ninth in a large field of 17 bands. The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band also represented Ottawa in Grade 5, while the Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band earned an impressive second-place finish in the same grade.

Chair Donald Macdonald with Pipe Major Bruce Gandy winner of his 7th Bar to the Piobaireachd Gold Medal Canada. Photo Beverly Gandy

There were notable local results in the solo competitions too. Jean-Sébastien Gamache won the Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal (Canada), one of the most prestigious prizes in solo piping, and also placed fourth in the Professional March. Ryan Seigmiller took first place in the Grade 3 MSR, Rita DeNobriga of Maxville earned third place in the Professional Hornpipe/Jig and fourth in the Professional MSR snare competitions. They were among many Ottawa and Eastern Ontario pipers and drummers competing across the weekend.

Highland dancing was another major part of the Games, with a record 174 dancers taking part. Ottawa and Eastern Ontario dancers were among those competing, with the weekend culminating in the traditional Parade of Champion Dancers.

Ottawa also made its mark in the heavy events, where Lorne Colthart won the Professional Men’s heavyweight competition.

With so many Ottawa and Eastern Ontario musicians, dancers and athletes taking part across a packed weekend of competition, we know there were many more local achievements. Our apologies to anyone we may have missed and congratulations to everyone who represented the region at Maxville.