The Lone Piper..

On Monday students were able to have some free time, some went shopping, others took a walk around the centre of Toronto. One group found and visited Casa Loma.

Casa Loma was built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, the castle is located in midtown Toronto and owned by the City of Toronto, this is regarded as a treasures heritage landmark. 

"Casa Loma prides itself on historical preservation and mindfulness of the Past. Casa Loma features permanent installations such as : Darkside of Toronto photo Exhibit and Classic Car Collection in the Casa Loma stables"

Students had some free time in the afternoon, then we met up at the restaurant 'the slip' and had some food before heading over to the Toronto Islands to watch the fireworks for Victoria Day. 

"My classmate Alex had brought his bagpipes with him and we stood next to the harbour front listening to him play and clapping and singing along with his music, we drew up quite a big crowd too with it as many people were interested to hear the new sounds for them and get a video of him playing. Which was fantastic for Alex as he was a bit nervous for playing and with all the people that loved his songs it really boosted his confidence which was great to see as he was really happy. " - Connor Gibb

We arrived at the Ferry terminal to board our ferry to the islands, we decided to go to the centre Island, as this looked the busiest Island. 

Once on the Island, we stood and took in the breathtaking views of the sun setting over the city skyline. This felt as though we were all in a dream, I've never experienced a more spectacular sight. At 10pm, the fireworks began - there was a 15 minute firework show. To top off the experience one of our students Alex brought his bagpipes to the island and as the fireworks started played Highland Cathedral for all around to enjoy, Emotions were high and i know i certainty shed a tear at just how amazing the experience was. 

"When we met up with the rest of our group, we jumped on the ferry for the main Toronto Island and when we got there the views were just spectacular with the light up city skyline reflecting off the lake it was just so breathe taking. Not even a picture could get across the beauty of the scene. It was absolutely outstanding. We had gone to the islands to watch the Victoria Day fireworks which in itself was a great show with all the outstanding colours and shapes but what really made it for me was when Alex played his pipes again in front the firework show." - Connor Gibb

After the fireworks we made our way back to the Ferry port, where we waited in a very busy line to board the ferry back to the Toronto Harbour. Whilst in the line, Alex played his pipes again, this was an incredible experience listening to the crowds singing 'Scotland the Brave' and ' Flower of Scotland' Everyone was taking photos and cheering, just incredible. 

"Sadly, as soon as the fireworks had finished, we had to go so we didn’t miss the ferry but while stood in the que of at least five hundred people he struck up for a final time to play flower of Scotland to which the whole crowd clapped along and we as a group sang our hearts out. For me this was the icing on the cake as we as a group were representing Scotland. And for me just my pride alone while singing along was immense. " - Connor Gibb 

Huge well done to Alex, you have created a lifetime memory for I'm sure everyone involved, to see you grow in confidence and play for hundreds of people on the island was just amazing, you should be so proud! -H.

"Definitely a memorable moment for me. The experience felt dreamlike. The crowds were so involved clapping and cheering along while fireworks were blasting in the background. Everyone was so appreciative of it and included. This was a magical moment for all of us." - Alex Lindsay