A Cape Breton community is piping up about an amateur bagpiper that they don’t want around anymore.
Brian MacLeod pipes along the waterfront in his hometown of Baddeck, N.S., as often as he can. He was stunned to learn his music is striking a sour note with some.
"Puzzled, shocked, and quite disappointed, actually," he said.
An online petition has been started. While it doesn't mention MacLeod or anyone in particular, it’s asking that a bylaw be created that would require street performers to be licensed and vetted before they can play.
"When visitors come during tourist season, we're known for Cape Breton music and a certain level and an expectation,” said petition creator Lavonne Grant. “It's not so much that they would need to be excellent performers, but I think there should be a little bit of a skill."
Some comments on the petition's website are more harsh. Irene P of Alberta writes, "With the bad music playing what seemed to be non-stop, we couldn’t get out of Baddeck fast enough and enjoy peace and quiet in Washabuck. Please make them - him stop."
Others around town support him.
"I think he does what he wants to do, and he should keep doing it,” said resident Rhonda Lockhart. “Maybe take a couple of lessons and learn a new song, but we love him."
MacLeod says while he is mostly self-taught, he has taken some lessons. He says he was recently hired to perform at the play "The Bells of Baddeck.”
MacLeod is trying to scare up student loan money for his Celtic studies degree at St. Francis Xavier University. He says he’s only received positive feedback.
"Just the other day when the Bluenose II came into port, I played as she came alongside and the captain himself thanked me," said MacLeod.
The petition argues there is simply too much noise too often.
"Amateurs should be able to express themselves, but there needs to be some guidelines," said Grant.
MacLeod says he plans to pipe on no matter what people think.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
