Awaiting the late Queen Mother to escort her on a tour of the Legislature Building.
A tune written for Alastair by one of today’s most prolific modern day composers, P/M Don Bradford.
Alastair’s love for the bagpipes came at the early age of three when his uncle played outside his bedroom leaving him with a memory that embedded the haunting and melodious sound of the bagpipes which resonated down to his core. After playing recorder, piano, double bass and snare, Alastair finally got his start on the chanter, the instrument to learn of all the intricate fingering and embellishments to transition onto the Great Highland Bagpipes. Alastair began bagpiping in 1986 and he has cultivated a profound connection with this great Scottish art. The Edmonton Boys Pipe Band, now known as the Edmonton Youth Pipe Band had some terrific instructors over the years and helped get his passion for piping on the right track. His dedication to the craft is evident with the hardware he earned over the years. In his teen years, Alastair joined the cadet program and was invited to be a part of the Banff National Army Cadet Pipes and Drums and was named the best cadet piper in Canada, not to mention doing this while learning a few brass instruments and playing in his school jazz band. After aging out of the cadet program and the Edmonton Boys Pipe Band, Alastair moved on to the Grade1 Edmonton Caledonia Pipe Band which eventually turned into ALCAL, the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band. On more of a contemporary note, Alastair has recorded albums Wutpa with the Wajjo African Drummers and more recently, The Storm with Celtic Fusion Illusion. These experiences highlight Alastair's versatility and unwavering passion for the pipes, marking him a significant figure in the bagpiping community while promoting bagpipes to the public at a very high standard.
Alastair’s notable performances include playing for distinguished figures such as the late Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Lieutenant Governor General, the Premiere and cabinet members and at major sporting events like the Edmonton Oilers Legends Live and the Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium in 2003. His most prized accolade, was finishing 7th at the World Pipe Band Championships with the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band back in 2001. His collaborations and fusion with diverse musical acts, such as the Wajjo African Drummers and Celtic Fusion Illusion and more recently signing on to perform with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, underscore his adaptability and broad musical range. Alastair is currently an instructor with the Edmonton Youth Pipe Band as well as an executive member of both the Sherwood Park Highland Gathering and the Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers.