b'A highlight for Laci was travelling to Scotland to play on Piper Laci Otis: Her Scottishthe scenic shores of Loch Ness. She piped against the iconic backdrop of the historic landmark Urquhart Castle, while Jims heritage shinesaunts ashes were ceremoniously scattered, joining Jims dadseveryand Lacis granddads ashes. through Jim and Laci agreed that this trip was an incredible journey. note she plays While some of their family came over to Canada in the 1960s and 1970s, there are still many relatives to visit in Scotland.tion and a lot of patience, Laci com- As a Scottish descendent, no wonder Laci was drawn to mented. the beautiful and haunting sound of the bagpipes at such a Its very dicult to learn, the un- young age. She is very enthusiastic about returning to her cle and niece agreed.There are onlyancestral homeland again one day. The Wee Tartan owner Stewart Bennett, along with piper nine notes on the bagpipes, and youRecently, Laci heard a song that piqued her interest. It was, ImLaci, took to the downtown streets this year on July 1, and cant play two in a row because of theShipping Up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys. Just by listeningstopped at a number of locations to sing O Canada.continuousow of air, Jim explained.to it a few times, this talented young ladygured out by ear how A beginner has to learn all about em- to play this intricate song on the bagpipes. This writer was gift-Laci playing at the gazebo in Palmered with a memorable performance of this beautiful music over Laci at the tender age of eleven during thebellishments and grace notes. Park during the Candlelight Walk & Treethe phone!Tartan Day Parade. DressedupinherkiltandfullLighting last year.Scottish regalia, her arms encirclingBy Lynn Campbell, While some little girls may wishherinstrumentlikeahug,andhertal of $30 or $40 from appreciative lis- Focus on Scugogtotakehorsebackridinglessonsorlong chestnut brown hair tamed intoteners. She also performs at birthdays, joinRingette,nine-year-oldLacia ponytail down her back, Laci lovesweddings and other private parties, at Otis of Port Perry wanted to play theto perform. Scottish themed events, and of course, bagpipes.If you have had the pleasure ofDecorationDay,RemembranceDay Little Laci was enthralled by theseeing Laci play the pipes, you canand Christmas parades. spectacle and the Scottish music at aattesttohertalentandskill.ThisOwnerofTheWeeTartanShop, Tartan Day parade. There was a piperpastCanadaDay,sheaccompaniedStewart Bennett described Laci as, A Laci and her Uncle Jim directly behind her during Brits on dressed as Mary Queen of Scots play- StewartBennettofTheWeeTartanbeautiful girl with a lot of talent. Shethe Lake.ing the bagpipes. Laci turned to herShoponQueenSt.onamusicalis always happy to help. Im sure she uncle Jim Black and said, I want tomarch around downtown Port Perry.will have a good future.do that. They visited the outdoor patios at theIt puts some colour on the street Sevenyearsago,thetwosomeAnchor Point Grill, The Pub, Jesterswhen she plays outside of my store. joineduptogethertotakelessons,Court,theOldFlameBreweryandIt is well appreciated by people who which were being o ered for free atMarwans Global Bistro. Stewart sangclap and applaud her. Guests at the the Uxbridge Legion. Their instructorO Canada in his distinctive baritone,Robbie Burns dinners were similarly was Richard Son.and Laci piped along the route, draw- delightedwhenLacipipedinthe The Uxbridge pipers are wonder- ing admirers along the way.haggis.fulmentorstoyoungpeople,JimCrowdsgatherwhenLacibusksLast year at the Festival of Lights, said. The bagpipes are the only in- outsideofTheWeeTartanShoponLaci was like the Pied Piper, leading strument in the world where you haveQueen Street. Sometimes she gets a to- thecarollersandcrowdsaround, to learn another instrumentrst.whileentertainingthemwith JimandLacistartedoutontheChristmasclassicssuchasJingle practicechanters,andjoinedtheBells, Old King Wenceslas and Deck Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums. theHalls,plussomepopularband Laci, who turned 16 on Octobertunes. Laci enjoys playing in public 4,2020,hasexcelledasapiper,because, It brings people joy. One brags her Uncle Jim, adding, Shesday, a lady who was sitting in her car, better than me. listeningtoLacipipe,brokedown Practicemakesperfect,sayscrying because the music touched her Laci, who goes to band practices fourheart and brought back memories.nightsaweek. Atage14,shewasI love how the music connects me honouredtobetheyoungestpiperto others, Laci commented. You can to be invited to join The Howlers, amake someones day, and see the joy side group of the Uxbridge Pipe Bandon their faces.for pipers who are more professionalOfcoursesheplaysthefamousLandon BeacockandseriousaboutgettingbetteratSkyeBoatsongfromthepopularCertified Arborist / Urban Forester ALSO OFFERING their instrument, Jim described. When Laci said she wanted to learn theScottishTVseriesOutlander.OtherDISPOSAL BIN 905.260.3338 RENTALS AND To play the bagpipes, you havepipes, her Uncle Jim supported her and hefavouritesareDarkIsle,Highlandlandon@landonstreeservice.ca CRANE SERVICESto have a good ear, good coordina- too, took lessons. Cathedral and Morag of Dunvegan.28 FO FOFOCUCSUS S NEOPVTEEMMBBEERR2200126029FOCCUUSS NSOEVPETMEMBEBRER 2 0220016'