Montreal politicians are not pleased with police officers going after a well-known bagpiper.

Jeff McCarthy was fined $221 for carrying a concealed weapon in his sock: a ceremonial knife called a sgian-dubh.

Historically, a guest showing up at a person's home would give up their weapons except for the small knife, which was placed in a person's sock specifically so it would not be concealed.

When he was stopped by police, McCarthy explained that the knife is frequently worn by bagpipers, musicians, and others wearing traditional Scottish garb on ceremonial occasions.

Police did not believe him.

"The eldest of them said, 'I've never in my life seen a Scotsman walking around in public with a knife like that,'" said McCarthy.

In fact, McCarthy has been wearing the sgian-dubh at various events around Montreal for 25 years -- including inside council chambers.

City Councillor Sterling Downey said he has worn the knife with his kilt at city hall without being stopped by police -- and pointed out that McCarthy recently played at the funeral for a retired police officer.

 

 

Mayor Denis Coderre was not impressed to learn about the ticket.

"So the police were in clown pants?" quipped the mayor.

McCarthy was fined under a bylaw that prohibits people from carrying a knife, sword, or machete without a reasonable excuse.

Coderre said police officers should have thought twice about the fine and seizing the sgian-dubh.

"I don't think he was a threat, but I don't know what was the circumstances," said Coderre.

"I think that it's up to them but maybe they should show some judgment too."

After thinking about the ticket for two days, McCarthy said he is planning to challenge it.

Meanwhile Montreal police said they are checking with the officer who issued the fine to get her version of events.