Kevin Murison receives a variety of responses when he performs with his bagpipes on a bustling sidewalk in Ottawa during weekends, mostly positive. Murison, 35, who often busks in full Highland attire on the bridge near the Ottawa Locks beside the Château Laurier, shared that he receives numerous compliments praising his playing and expressing admiration for the sound.
Last year, a tourist from Brazil was deeply moved to tears by Murison’s performance and even gave him a warm hug along with her contact information, inviting him to visit South America with his bagpipes. However, Murison also faced negative encounters, like a man who demanded he stop playing and, upon refusal, threw a drink at him and stole money from his open pipe case.
Despite these incidents, nothing compared to the unfortunate event that occurred on a Saturday afternoon. Murison found himself with a 15-centimetre gash in his bagpipe bag and four stitches in his thumb after an altercation. He revealed that a man approached him under the pretense of taking a photo but suddenly brandished a knife.
Following the incident, a passerby called emergency services, leading to the prompt arrival of the police who provided initial medical assistance to Murison and managed to apprehend the suspect nearby. The 25-year-old man is now facing multiple charges, including assault with a weapon and breaching probation.
Expressing his lifelong passion for bagpipes, Murison mentioned that he began playing the traditional Scottish instrument around 15 years ago. In addition to busking, he performs at Highland games and parades with his band, Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums, across the region.
Despite the attack, Murison remains resolute and grateful for the support he has received from his band members and the broader bagpiping community. He emphasized his determination to return to playing once his injury heals, stating that the incident has not dampened his spirits.
With his left thumb bandaged, Murison anticipates a few more days of recovery before he can resume his performances. While the incident has left him disheartened, he is unwavering in his commitment to continue sharing his music with the public once he has fully recuperated.