Deputy AG blows them away in Scotland
When the deputy auditor general of Canada isn’t checking the federal government’s finances, he’s busy flexing his pipes — bagpipes that is.
Andrew Hayes, a resident of Barrhaven, earned one of the highest honours in bagpipe-playing on Aug. 21.
Three judges awarded Hayes the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban, Scotland.
“I’m fortunate enough for all the stars to align on that one day,” he said.
However, this isn’t Hayes’ first time at the top. He won the 2010 Northern Meeting, a competition of equal calibre, in Inverness, Scotland.
The two 150-year-old competitions challenge elite-level bagpipers, and winning at either is equivalent to taking home a gold medal at the Olympics.
Unsurprisingly, Scots make up the largest number of competitors and champions. However, Hayes said Canada would likely be second for both categories in recent years.
Many competitors return year after year, making the global bagpipe community close-knit, Hayes said. “It’s the sort of fraternity where I can go anywhere where there’s piping and I’ll know somebody and we’ll be able to speak the same language,” he said.
Bagpipes have been a lifetime passion for the 44-year-old, but his victories didn’t come easy and certainly didn’t come early.
“Success comes quickly to some,” he said. “That didn’t happen for me, it was a long journey ... But frankly I really enjoyed the win because of the time it took to get there. I’ve been chasing that gold medal for 20 years.”
Although Hayes has some Scots heritage, playing the bagpipes isn’t a cultural practice — it was passed down from father to son.
At eight-years-old, Hayes was introduced to the instrument by his father, the late police Supt. Patrick Hayes, who was pipe major of the Ottawa Police Pipe Band.
“I remember the first time I played bagpipes, it was in my kitchen with my dad and I was so excited to be able to play,” he said. “But I couldn’t sound a single note.”
That all changed when Hayes was nine, and he hasn’t stopped. Over the years he has played bagpipes for the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band, 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band and the Toronto Police Pipe Band.
He now focusses on solo bagpipes, the category he competes in.
Originally a lawyer, Hayes now works in the auditor general office, a department which experienced tragedy in February with the loss Michael Ferguson, the Auditor General of Canada.
“He was a major supporter for me and encouraging all of our staff to enjoy their lives,” he said.
Despite the challenges this year, Hayes said when he does have a bad day, he has the best distraction available. “There’s not much you can think of when playing bagpipes — pretty loud and all encompassing,” he said.
Don’t forget tiring, as the arduous task requires core strength and a full set of lungs, Hayes added.
Which is why after an upcoming competition in October, he will take a hiatus from playing.
The break also gives him additional time to focus on his two daughters, who’s competitive hockey season began this week.
As for whether either will carry on the bagpipes, Hayes said both have expressed interest — but he doesn’t want them to do it for his sake. “I’ve always left it open to them, but I’ve ne ver wanted to push them to that,” he said. “I don’t want them doing it for me. If they do want to play, I want them to play for themselves.”
If they decide to become the third generation of Hayes bagpipers, they’ll know who to turn to.