Kevin Murison receives a variety of responses when he performs with his bagpipes on a bustling sidewalk in Ottawa during weekends, with the majority being positive. Murison, 35, often busks in full Highland attire on the bridge near the Ottawa Locks, by the Château Laurier, where he receives numerous compliments on his playing skills.
In a recent incident, while playing on a Saturday afternoon, a man approached him under the guise of taking a photo but then revealed a knife. The situation escalated, resulting in Murison sustaining injuries, including four stitches in his thumb and a significant gash in his bagpipe bag.
Thankfully, a bystander called 911, leading to a swift police response. The suspect, a 25-year-old man, was apprehended nearby and is now facing multiple charges, including assault with a weapon. The attack was described by Ottawa police as unprovoked.
Despite the ordeal, Murison remains passionate about playing the bagpipes, a tradition he has embraced for about 15 years. His band, Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums, has provided him with a new bag following the incident, and he has received overwhelming support from the bagpiping community.
While Murison is currently recovering from his injuries, he is determined to return to busking once he has healed, emphasizing that he will not be deterred by the unfortunate attack.