The Keith Radley Hutchison AwardKeith Hutchison (1957–1997) was an enthusiastic supporter of all things Scottish in Montreal. After his sudden and untimely passing, his friends created this award in his memory to encourage and support excellent pipers and to maintain the strong ties that have existed between The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada and the St. Andrew's Society.
The award is given annually to a piper at the Black Watch who possesses exceptional piping skills, has demonstrated a strong ability to play the instrument solo, and who possesses an excellent character. 2025 Recipient(back row, left to right) Musicians Rebecca Matulina, David Peace, James O'Connor, and Elizabeth Matulina; (front row, left to right) Douglas Leahey, St. Andrew's Society Council member; and piper Gabriel Harris
The 2025 winner is Piper Gabriel Harris.
Gabriel Harris joined the Black Watch (RHR) Pipes and Drums in 2023 and has served as a Canadian Armed Forces bagpiper for the past year. His exceptional skill and reliability have made him a valued member of the band, performing regularly at events both with the unit and as a solo representative of the Regiment. In addition to performing, Gabriel is a key member of the instructor team, teaching students of all ages and helping to shape the future of piping and drumming in Montreal. He has also competed at various Highland Games as a soloist and as a member of the Black Watch. This summer, Gabriel will once again join the Ceremonial Guard Pipes and Drums in Ottawa, performing daily on Parliament Hill and at Rideau Hall. |
Previous winners: 1998 Pipe Major Jordon Anderson 1999 Piper Stephane Chamberland 2000 Piper Philip Butler 2001 Piper Jeff Thorpe 2002 Piper Brent Schaus 2003 Pipe Major Cameron Stevens 2004 Piper Hugh Dowell 2005 Piper Josh Odermatt 2006 Piper Terri Lynn McLaren 2007 Piper Ian Leblanc 2008 Piper Ron Rice -- 2013 Piper Alexandre Leger 2014 Piper Maxime Langevin 2015 Piper Robert W. Kerr 2016 Piper Malcolm David Cox 2017 Piper Sasha Mathew 2018 Piper Patrick Leduc 2019 Piper Alec McGuckin 2020 Piper Robert Kerr 2021 Piper Bruce Bolton 2022 Piper Kevin Toupin 2023 Piper Annie Jacques 2024 Piper Nolan Cunningham 2025 Piper Gabriel Harris |