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In the year 2000, Island native, Roger S. Burns presented a significant monetary gift to The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada.
A native of Freetown who now makes his home in Vero Beach, Florida and North Rustico, PEI, Burns made his donation to celebrate the memory of his late mother, Mary Ellen Burns, who passed away in 1996. The amphitheatre at The College of Piping, home to the Summer Concert Series and other special events, is named the Mary Ellen Burns Amphitheatre.
Burns said his mother had a great love of Scotland and all things Scottish. “A favourite thing to do in her later years was to come into the Ceilidhs in Summerside,” he said. “I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to her than to be associated with The College of Piping. She would be thrilled.” Burns said his original intention was to bequeath a contribution to The College, but the more he thought about it the more he thought he’d like to do something during his lifetime. He said his gift will do a lot more for the institution in its early years than it would down the road. And, he added, making the presentation now gives his mother’s many friends and family the opportunity to share in celebrating her memory.
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