By JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE • PART 3 • AUGUST to DECEMBER 1824
71st Highland Light Infantry arrive in Canada
On 7th August London Paper The Sun reported from Quebec June 24th: “The part of the 71st Highland Light Infantry which arrived yesterday from Cork, marched up to the Jesuits’ Barracks this forenoon; a detachment was preceded by the national instrument, the bagpipes, and the other by a numerous band of Kent bugles, which played with a beautiful effect. This regiment has served on the Peninsula, and highly distinguished itself at Waterloo, for which those that survived the day now wear the usual medals. They are a body of very fine men.”
Strathearn Highland Society
The Perthshire Courier reported that the second anniversary meeting of the Strathearn Highland Society was held in the Free Masons’ Hall in the village of Muthill on 18th August. They elected, along with General James Drummond (Vice-Chieftain to the Society), the Rev Alex McDonald, James Stewart esq at Strone, and John Graham esq at Braelenny, to be Judges of the Pipe Music, who awarded prizes to the best pipers and dancers of the Highland Reel and Sword Dance, and to the best Leaper and Runner. A prize was also awarded to Daniel Campbell, from Lochtayside, who threw a putting stone 22lb weight, the length of 27 feet 10 inches.
Bagpipes captured during the Civil War
The same paper had an article about the fighting during the Civil War, following the crowning of King Charles II at Scone in 1651. The Perth men were joined at Dunfermline by a detachment of 3000 from the army but on 26th July they were engaged and defeated by a superior number of Cromwell’s army who debarked in the Firth. 1600 foot were killed, and 1200 prisoners were taken at Inverkeithing and Dunfermline, with fifty-two drums, colours, and bagpipes.
St Fillans’ Highland Society Games attracts nineteen pipe competitors
The Perthshire Courier reported that St Fillans’ Highland Society Games were held on 31st August in the village of St Fillans, Perthshire: “Notwithstanding the gloominess of the morning, a vast concourse of all ranks in society were assembled, each chieftain and clan headed by their respective piper, and whose approach was announced by the martial strains of the loud-sounding bagpipe from some the sequestered glens, or welcomed by the cheering acclamations of those already assembled. At eight o’clock, the most honourable Chieftain, James Moray Esq of Abercairney, the Vice Chieftains, and the other office bearers, and members of the committee attended at St Fillans Inn, and made the necessary arrangements for the feats of the day. At eleven o’clock the members of the Society were marshalled opposite the Inn, and from thence march, by the Bridge of Dundurn, to the arena appropriated for the games, headed by their chieftain, who was supported by his Vice-Chieftains, the other office bearers and about 250 of the St Fillans Highlanders, carrying in their ranks the colours of a highly distinguished Highland Regiment, the whole equipped in the Highland costume, and attended by nineteen pipe competitors.” Several other arrivals at the field were reported, including a deputation from the Stirling and Bannockburn Caledonian Society. The ladies viewed proceedings from their carriages which were drawn up around the ring. “After the conclusion of the games, the Prizes were adjudged and awarded as follows:
“1st. The Most Honourable Chieftain’s prize of a handsome Pipe, was awarded to Donald McKay, late piper to G R McDonald Esq of Clanranald, who formerly at gained the prize pipes at the Competitions of Edinburgh and Muthill, and who is now appointed piper to the Stirling and Bannockburn Caledonian Society.
“2nd. A handsome silver mounted Dirk, given by the Society, awarded to Donald McInnes from Lochaber, who gained the prize pipe at the late Fort William Competition.
“3rd. A Dirk by ditto, awarded to John McGrigor, piper to the Right Hon the Earl of Breadalbane, who gained first the inferior prizes and then the pipe at the Edinburgh Competition.
“There were in all nineteen pipe competitors. From the excellence of many of the performers it became difficult to adjudge the prizes, no less than four having gained prize pipes in Edinburgh, one the prize pipe at Fort William, and six the secondary prizes in Edinburgh. The execution on the Great Highland Bagpipe of Donald Gunn, Piper to the Royal Perthshire Militia, and his regular attendance, endears him to the members of the St Fillans Highland Society. Angus McKay, son of John McKay, piper to the Right Hon Lord Gwydyr, a boy under 14 years of age, gave the audience great satisfaction; it was his first appearance on the St Fillans boards, but he had previously gained a prize for reel playing at Muthill.” Results of the dancing and other events followed. The Judges of the Highland Bagpipe were The Most Hon Chieftain; Mr McDonald, 68th regiment; Colonel Stewart of Garth; Donald McDonald Esq of Craigree; Ronald McDonald Esq of Staffa; the Rev Alexander McDonald, Crieff and Lieut Fletcher. After the games: “the procession then returned to St Fillans Inn with colours flying, accompanied by the deputation from the Stirling and Bannockburn Caledonian Society, attended by the martial music of the pipe competitors, and a great concourse of spectators.”
Errata in the account of the St Fillans’ Games
On 17th September the paper published a correction: “In place of Donald M’Kay being piper to the Stirling and Bannockburn Caledonian Society, read, the prize-pipe given by the Most Honourable Chieftain, to the best player of Pibrochs on the Great Highland Bagpipe, was awarded to Donald M’Kay, piper to James Moray, Esq. of Abercairney, (son Mr John M’Kay, piper to the Right Hon. Lord Gwydyr) and late piper to G R M’Donald Esq of Clanranald. He formerly gained the prize pipe at the Highland Society of Scotland’s competition in Edinburgh; a prize pipe at Fort William; and lately the prize pipe at the Strathearn Society Competition, held in Muthill.”
This was Donald MacKay who in 1834 became piper to the Duke of Sussex, younger brother of George IV. Donald’s younger brother Angus, who also played at St Fillans, became piper to Queen Victoria in 1843.
Wooed an’ married an a
On 3rd September the Perthshire Courier reported on the celebrations following the marriage of the Earl of Kinnoull at Rattray. In the evening a bonfire was lit: “when the shades of night came on, and after it had spread its blaze over the hill, Highland piper, with pair of bagpipes, made his appearance, and struck up Wooed an’ married an a.” The dancing then commenced, and continued for a considerable time.”
Up and waur them a’ Willie
On 6th September the London Telegraph reported: “Sir William Curtis has become so fleet. In consequence of his summer’s excursion in his yacht, that he has beat two of his brother Aldermen and five of the Common Councilmen, in a foot race for a rump and dozen and a pair of leather breeches. The worthy Baronet is said to have felt great assistance from a bagpiper whom he brought with him, when accompanying his Majesty to Scotland, playing during the contest the very appropriate air of Up and waur them a’ Willie.”
Perth Gaelic Society Competition of Pipers and Dancers
The Perth Gaelic Society advertised on 17th September: “The Society, anxious to preserve and encourage the ancient Martial Music, as well as the Dress and Customs of the Highlands, have agreed this year give Prizes as follows, viz. To the best Performer on the Great Highland Bag-Pipe, in Perthshire—a handsomely mounted Highland Bag-Pipe. To the Person who shall appear best Dressed in the Highland Garb—a Sporan Mollach or Highland Purse. To the best Dancer of Highland Dances – an elegantly mounted Snuff Mull or Horn.
“The Competition will take place in Perth, on Friday, the eighth day of October next, and the Prizes will be adjudged by a Committee of the Society.
“The Competitors must be in Perth, on Thursday, the seventh day of October by 10 o’clock forenoon, and give in their names to the Secretary, with a list of Five Highland Pibrochds, either of which they must play if called on.
“All Competitors must appear in the Highland Garb.
“NB. No Piper who has competed for, and obtained the Prize Pipe at the Competition of the Highland Society of Scotland can be allowed to compete.”
Thirty thousand, well dressed, turn out for the Earl of Mar
Also on 17th September the Perthshire Courier reported on a visit to Alloa by the Earl of Mar. “The total numbers in the different processions were about 1000, and their music consisted of six full bands, besides a profusion of bagpipes, drums, etc. The number of spectators, all well dressed, was greater than within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants; perhaps no less than thirty thousand were present.”
Results from the Perth Gaelic Society Competition of Pipers and Dancers
The Perth Gaelic Society advertisement was repeated on 24th September and 1st October. The results were reported on 22nd October: “The Gaelic Society’s competition of pipers and dancers, was held within the Theatre, Perth, on Friday the 8th inst. The competitors, twelve in number, walked from the President’s house to the theatre, to the martial sound of their bagpipes, when the following prizes were awarded: 1st, A great highland bagpipe Alexander Dewar, piper to Sir Niel Menzies, Bart, for being the best piper. 2nd, A silver mounted purse or sporran mollach to Adam M’Pherson, piper to Major Drummond of Kelty, for being the best equipped in the Highland Garb. 3rd, A silver mounted horn or mull to Mr Gunn, Comedian, for being the best dancer. The unsuccessful candidates also received some remuneration for their attendance and performances.”
The service of the Right Honourable Sir Godfrey Bosville Macdonald of the Isles
On 4th November the Caledonian Mercury reported that: “The service of the Right Honourable Sir Godfrey Bosville Macdonald of the Isles, Baronet of Macdonald, Lord of Slate and Baron Macdonald, took place in the Robing Room of the Parliament House, on Saturday 29th October. The Macdonald estate, comprehending the lands of Slate, North Uist and others, in which his Lordship was served heir to his brother, the deceased Lord MacDonald, was part of the lands belonging to John, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, and were granted to him on 28th June 1449, previous to his forfeiture and the annexation of the Earldom of Ross to the Crown, to his brother, Hugh of the Isles, Lord of Slate, and have since (except during the time they were forfeited), continued in the family of Hugh of the Isles. Lord Eldin was Chancellor, and Mr John Archibald Campbell Clerk of Court, by whom evidence was laid before the Jury to prove propinquity. After the service Lord Macdonald gave the Jury and other friends an entertainment at Barry’s Hotel, at which were present the Lord Provost, Lord Elgin, Lord Nelhaven, Lord Eldin, and a number of other distinguished visitors. During the evening Signor de Begnis, Messrs Phillips etc and his band, and the Highland Bagpipes, gratified and amused the company.”
Near-miss for blind piper in carriage calamity
The last mention of a piper for 1824 was a letter on 29th December, signed by ‘An inhabitant of Portman Square’, London on the subject of the Macadamization of the roads in London: “I am induced since my last, again, to address you, from an occurrence I was witness to the other day, and near fatal to one of his Majesty’s liege though blind subjects. I allude to the old man, whom most of us must have frequently seen (if not prevented by slop, smoke or dust), who plays upon the bagpipes to earn some addition to his livelihood; who, on crossing from our square into Baker Street, not hearing the accustomed sound of the rattling of the carriages, was all but, run over.”