Lairds of the Locks: The Scots of Bytown, A Solo Theatrical Journey into Ottawa’s Scottish Foundations

As the city approaches the 200th anniversary of Bytown, the Scottish

Society of Ottawa and acclaimed Ottawa actor and playwright Pierre Brault presents a

powerful new solo performance exploring the Scottish roots of Canada’s capital.

Lairds of the Locks: The Scots of Bytown is a one-person historical drama that

examines the profound Scottish influence on the early development of Bytown, told

through the pioneering life and legacy of Thomas McKay—stone mason, canal builder,

entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founding father.

Set against the rugged construction of the Rideau Canal and the birth of a frontier town,

the production brings to life the ambition, faith, resilience, and vision that helped shape

what would become Ottawa. Through vivid storytelling and transformative performance,

Brault inhabits the voices of labourers, settlers, clergy, and civic leaders, weaving

personal narrative with larger historical forces.

“This is not simply a history lesson,” says Brault. “It’s a story about identity — about who

we were, who we are, and the values that built this city.”

The performance is designed to align with the Bytown Bicentennial celebrations,

reflecting the theme of shared history and collective belonging. The work highlights the

diversity of early communities while centring the Scottish contribution to the civic,

cultural, and spiritual fabric of Ottawa.

Blending theatrical immediacy with meticulous research, Lairds of the Locks invites

audiences to step into 19th-century Bytown — a place of mud, stone, faith, enterprise,

and fierce determination.

About the Artist

Pierre Brault is an Ottawa-based actor, playwright, and performer known for creating

historically grounded solo works that animate Canada’s past with humour, humanity,

and theatrical precision. His previous productions have explored pivotal figures and

moments in Canadian history, bringing audiences into intimate connection with the

stories that shaped the nation

Event Details

Title: Lairds of the Locks: The Scots of Bytown

Performer: Pierre Brault

Genre: Solo historical theatre

Running Time: Approximately 75–90 minutes

Audience: General audiences, history enthusiasts, and Bicentennial programming

Performance date: Saturday March 21st 2pm.

Performance location: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 82 Kent St. Ottawa.