The Story Behind the Name

Many guests ask where the name Kilmory comes from.

The name has deep family roots. The ancestors of Kilmory founder Roger Jamieson traced their heritage to O’er Kilmory, a small community near Peterhead in northeastern Scotland. Roger's great-grandfather, Alexander Jamieson, immigrated to Newfoundland as a young man and worked in the thriving herring trade at nearby Sound Island in Placentia Bay.

Roger's father, the Honourable Don Jamieson, held a deep connection to both Swift Current and the surrounding area. Despite a distinguished career that included serving as Canada's Minister of Transport and Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce, he often spoke fondly of returning home. He affectionately referred to the area as "O'er Kilmory," inspiring the name that remains today.

In May 2026, Kilmory entered a new chapter when it was acquired by YMCA Newfoundland and Labrador.

A Landscape Shaped by Generations

The history of the Piper's Hole River Valley extends far beyond the development of Kilmory itself.

For generations, Mi'kmaq families from the Miawpukek area travelled throughout central and eastern Newfoundland, including the Swift Current region, where they hunted, trapped, and spent time on the land. Their connection to the area forms an important part of the region's history.

European activity in the area dates back to the French presence in Placentia Bay during the 17th and 18th centuries. Historical accounts suggest that hunting, exploration, and timber harvesting expeditions regularly travelled inland from Placentia, often with guidance from Indigenous peoples familiar with the region.

Today, the landscape surrounding Kilmory reflects centuries of cultural, environmental, and community history.

The Legend of Piper's Hole

One of the area's most enduring stories is the legend behind the name Piper's Hole River.

According to local folklore, a French military expedition travelled into the valley during the early 1700s. Among the group was a piper from the French garrison in Placentia. Following a dispute, the piper reportedly disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Local legend tells of haunting bagpipe music echoing through the valley in the years that followed. Residents believed the sounds came from the spirit of the missing piper, giving rise to the name Piper's Hole River.

While historians cannot confirm every detail of the story, the legend remains an enduring part of local folklore and continues to be shared throughout the region today.