A time-honoured position recognizing the contributions made to the Scottish community over many years.
John Nichol ,
2025 Chieftain of the Day.
The United Scottish Cultural Society is honoured to announce that Sr. Drum Major John Nichol is our 128th British Columbia Highland Games Chieftain of the Day.
Our “Chieftain of the Day” was born and raised in Vancouver, BC and has been involved in the Scottish community from an early age.
John Nichol grew up in a household steeped in the music of the highlands, and that music has been part of his life ever since. His father was a member of the Irish Fusiliers of Canada; his brothers grew up in the White Spot Pipe Band organization, then the City of Port Moody Pipe Band under the direction of Hal Senyk, a BCPA Life Member.
John spent five years with the sea cadets at summer music school. He’s played in several Legion pipe bands, including Legion 83, 133 & 179. He co-founded the Sir. John A. MacDonald Society Pipe Band which reached the Grade II band level. In 1988, John moved to the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. While a member of the band’s drum corps, SFU captured the world championships in 1995, 1996 and 1999. He was involved with four SFU Pipe Band albums, including “Live in Chicago” and “Live in Carnegie Hall”. During this time, John was also involved with the BC Highland Dancing Association, becoming president and heading the 1986 Expo Highland Games. John’s granddaughter is currently a highland dancer and drummer with White Spot Pipe Band and his son-in-law Scott a piper. Our Chieftain of the Day is a director with the BC Pipers’ Association and has been the BCPA Senior Drum Major, leading the massed pipe bands on and off the field at the British Columbia and other highland games throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1984.
RCMP E Divivision Pipe Band Drum Major Mike Guillemin saluting the Chieftain of the Day – 2018.
Chieftain of the Day Simon Scott – 2023
Robert MacNeil receiving Chieftain of the Day Medal from Executive Director Mike Chisholm – June 2022
History of “Chieftain of the Day”
Historically, a “games day” was held within each Scottish highland clan to establish the strongest and ablest man in strength, music and dance. The Chieftain, as head of the clan, held a position of honour at the gathering.
In keeping with this tradition, highland games today invites a leader in the community to act as our “Chieftain” of the day. In recognition of this honour, the duty band is asked to give the salute. Then, during the massed pipe band performance, the assembled pipers and drummers will play a tune in recognition of the Chieftain of the Day.
