John Cairns
John comes from a piping family that has a long and prestigious musical history, and is recognized today as one of the World’s top bagpipers and teachers.
In 1999, John achieved a feat that every piper dreams of – he became the 10th person in the history of piping and the first person from outside of Scotland to win the two Highland Society of London Gold Medals for solo piping at both Oban and Inverness, Scotland in the same year. John has studied under the best teachers in both Canada and Scotland and as a soloist, has won numerous other major prizes, including:
- Eight Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario Champion Supreme designations
- Three North American Champion titles
- The Bratach Gorm – in London, England
- The Piobaireachd Society Canadian Gold Medal, Bar to the Gold Medal and Former Winners March, Strathspey and Reel Contest
- Three Livingstone Invitational Contests
- Three Fergus Gold Medals for Light Music
In 1999, John became the 10th person in the history of piping and the from outside of Scotland to win the two Highland Society of London Gold Medals for solo piping at both Oban and Inverness, Scotland in the same year. As a teacher, John holds the internationally recognized Institute of Piping’s Senior Teacher’s Certificate and has taught all over North America and in many other countries around the world.
In 2026, after a long 17-year career, John retired as the Pipe Major (director) of the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band from Toronto, Ontario – winners of 7 North American Championships and 9 PPBSO Champion Supreme title. Before joining Peel, he spent twelve years as the Pipe Sergeant with the 78th Fraser Highlanders Grade 1 Pipe Band.
John adjudicates regularly throughout North America and is an accomplished composer. He has has been featured on many recordings, and has two solo recordings to his credit.