Kevin Murison, 35, receives varied reactions while performing his bagpipes on a busy Ottawa sidewalk during weekends, with most being positive. Murison, often dressed in full Highland attire, busks near the Ottawa Locks bridge by the Château Laurier. Last year, a tourist from Brazil was so moved by his music that she tearfully hugged him and offered her contact details. However, not all encounters have been pleasant, such as an incident where a man attacked Murison, causing a significant injury to his bagpipe bag.
The recent assault occurred around 4 p.m. on a Saturday when a man approached Murison under the guise of taking a photo but then revealed a knife. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in Murison sustaining injuries that required medical attention. Fortunately, a bystander called the police, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect who now faces multiple charges.
Despite the ordeal, Murison remains determined to continue his passion for playing the bagpipes. He has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from his band and the wider bagpiping community. As he recovers from the attack, Murison looks forward to returning to his beloved pastime once his injuries have healed.
While the incident has left Murison shaken, he remains resilient and committed to sharing his music with the public.