My story
My name is Brent Lowrie. I'm a father, husband, retired Canadian Armed Forces Captain, highland piper and leather craftsman. I live in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada with my family and two cats. Known for its spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, wineries, and fruit orchards, Kelowna is nestled in the sunny Okanagan Valley on the shore of Okanagan Lake. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world.
I love working with my hands, especially with leather. I use centuries-old tools and techniques to produce rustic and rugged everyday carry (EDC) leather goods. All of my leather goods are built-to-order and built to last a lifetime. Using only full-grain leather and solid metal hardware, I strive for perfection in everything I do and it's reflected in the quality of my work.
I hope you enjoy looking at my work and that I will be able to make something especially for you very soon. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
My history
Born in Salmon Arm, BC, my journey has taken me through a diverse array of experiences. I’ve served as an Alberta Forest Officer in Kananaskis Country, been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, and animator with Walt Disney Animation, and even taught high school art. Currently, I am proud to be the lead artist at a video game studio.
My passion for music began early when I learned to play the Highland bagpipes at the age of nine. For the past 49 years, I’ve continued to hone my craft, starting my studies under Willie Watt in Edmonton, Alberta. As a youth, I first played with the Edmonton Boys' Pipe Band. Over the years, I’ve performed with numerous esteemed pipe bands, including The Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Calgary Highlanders, The Calgary Police Pipe Band, Clan McBain Pipe Band (Calgary), Triumph Street Pipe Band (Vancouver), Rocky Mountain Pipe Band (Calgary), and the 26th Field Regiment RCA Pipe Band (Brandon). Currently, I serve as Pipe Sergeant with the Vale United Pipe Band in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. A successful Grade One solo competitor, I’ve earned recognition in March, Strathspey and Reel, Jig/Hornpipe, and Senior Piobaireachd competitions across Alberta and British Columbia.
Piping as a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant.
In 1988, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a reservist in Calgary, Alberta, graduating as the top recruit in my basic training course. I then joined the Calgary Highlanders and spent two years performing as a Piper with the Regimental Pipes and Drums.
For over seven years, I served as an officer in the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) of the CAF, working with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. I concluded my service at the rank of Captain, as the Commanding Officer of the 2520 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Brandon, MB. During my tenure with the CIC, I instructed bagpipes at the annual Cadet Music Concentration and the Cadet Honour Band in Manitoba. Additionally, I spent four summers as the senior piping instructor and training officer for the Rocky Mountain Cadet Training Centre Pipe Band program.
For a decade, I held the position of Pipe Sergeant with the 26th Field Regiment RCA Pipe Band in Brandon, Manitoba. In 2016, I was honored to be appointed Pipe Major, a role I proudly held for two years before relocating to Kelowna, BC.
Showing off the new Highland duds after solos At the BC Scotfest. How about that custom sporran?