Glengarry and the True Highlanders

BY JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE.

Glengarry and his True Highlanders made an appearance in my article on the King’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822, but their other activities over a twelve year period included far more than just that occasion. Our main focus here is on the piping competitions they held annually. 

Alasdair MacDonell of Glengarry was born in 1773 and succeeded his father as 15th chief in 1788. In 1790 he entered University College, Oxford. In February 1793, after the war with France had begun, Macdonell was commissioned as a Captain to recruit a company of the Strathspey Fencibles. In August 1794 he was given a colonel’s commission to raise the Glengarry Fencibles regiment of Glengarry Highlanders, recruits being drawn from the Glengarry estates, under threat of eviction if persuasion did not work. Glengarry commanded his regiment in Guernsey until August 1796, when he resigned. As part of his regiment’s uniform, he invented (or adopted) the Glengarry which has since become part of the uniform of a number of Scottish regiments. The Glengarry Fencibles were disbanded in 1802, and Glengarry failed to honour a pledge to find land for the men. This resulted in a mass emigration led by Father Alexander Macdonell, the regimental chaplain.

Glengarry considered himself the last genuine specimen of a Highland chief, always wore the Highland dress and seldom travelled without being followed by his “tail”, of armed servants in full Highland dress. He was a member of the Highland Society and the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, and in June 1815 formed his own Society of True Highlanders, subsequently leaving the Celtic Society and complaining that “their general appearance is assumed and fictitious, and they have no right to burlesque the national character or dress of the Highlands”. His mortification at the acceptance of Lowlanders became a bitter complaint about the prominent role the Celtic Society had in the visit of George IV, and he made several unauthorised and flamboyant appearances during the visit, to the annoyance of his friend Walter Scott and the other organisers.

Glengarry continued the evictions to make way for sheep farmers which had begun is his father’s time and most of the clan was forced to emigrate to North America due to these clearances. Many of them settled in Canada, where they founded Glengarry County in Ontario.

The first newspaper report of the True Highlanders appeared in the Inverness Journal and Northern Advertiser on the 23^rd June 1815.

It began, ‘To preserve pure and uncontaminated the genuine characteristics and national distinctions of the Sons of the Gael, must be one of the dearest wishes of every patriotic Highlander,’ and continued with a long account of these characteristics and distinctions, covering customs, manners, poetry and music, then continued, ‘and desirous to maintain pure and uncontaminated their National Distinctions, a Society was instituted at Inverlochy on the 15^th June, 1815, under the title and designation of The Society of True Highlanders, when the following general Rules and Regulations were suggested, at a numerous and respectable Meeting of Highland Gentlemen assembled on the occasion, but subject to alteration at the first general meeting.’

The rules followed.

1. The Society shall be governed by a President and an indefinite number of Vice Presidents, assisted by 36 Stewards, a Secretary, Under Secretary and Treasurer.
2. All real Chiefs shall be Hereditary Vice Presidents, from whom the President shall be annually chosen by a majority of votes, (be he in or out of the Peerage) so as his fortune enables him to support the consequent expense.
3. Peeresses in their own right, and maintaining their Family followings, whether Heiresses or Co-Heiresses, to be Female Vice Presidents for life.
4. The Heirs of Chiefs, after the age of 21, the Peers of the Clans, and other heads of Families of great standing and following, (having suitable fortune) to be Vice Presidents for life; so likewise are the Tainisteers of each Clan.
5. There will be 36 stewards on the strength, 12 to go out annually, and as many new to come in from the Honourables, Baronets, Cinn-Tigh, Knights and other Officers of certain rank, both Civil and Military, or who may have otherwise distinguished themselves in life, not being Chiefs of their Clans.
6. When sufficiently organised, (say at the first General Meeting) a quorum of Chiefs will be appointed to solicit the Royal Patronage to the Society of True Highlanders.
7. All British subjects of respectability are admissible by Ballot. And Members of the Highland Societies of London and Edinburgh, all Officers of Highland Regiments, and Highland Officers in general, both of the Royal Navy, Army and Marines; are invited to join the Society of True Highlanders.

It will be desirable that intending Members be pleased to hand their names to the Corresponding Committee at Fort William, on or near the 15^th July as possible, so as to afford an opportunity for an early General Meeting, addressed “To the Corresponding Committee of the Society of True Highlanders,” or to Colonel Macdonell of Glengarry, (the Founder) Garry Cottage, by Perth.

The entry money of Members is Ten Guineas, for life, or an Annual Payment of £1 11s 6d for eight years.

At Inverlochy, this fifteenth day of June eighteen hundred and fifteen, Assembled the undersigned Highland Gentlemen, to institute A Pure Highland Society, in support of the True Dress, Language, Music, and Characteristics of our illustrious and ancient race in the Highlands and Isles of Scotland, with their genuine descendants, wherever they may be: (signed) A Macdonell, Glengarry.’

A long list of the names of the other signatories followed.

The next notice was on 15^th September, announcing a business meeting at Inverlochy on 4^th October at 10 45am. Breakfast would be on the table at 9am for those who chose to partake. Members were to appear in Highland Dress. On 22^nd September another notice intimated that the meeting was postponed until Thursday 5^th October on account of the Michaelmas Head Court. More names of members were listed.

A report of the meeting followed on 26^th October. This was mainly a list of the appointed office bearers, with Glengarry as President, followed by the names of vice presidents, stewards and other officials. There were some new members and Marshal MacDonald, Duke of Tarentum was admitted as an Honorary Member. After the business, some entertainment followed. ‘The Society listened with pleasure to a bagpipe tune composed by Angus McInnes, Piper to Glengarry, in honour of HRH the Prince Regent which met the approbation of the meeting and is named accordingly Cuairt a Chomuin Ghaidhealaich. Then Allan MacDougall, the Blind Bard, was called upon by the President, to sing a Gaelic song, which he composed in honour of the Society of True Highlanders, and which, as a modern composition, was considered a masterpiece.’ Other songs from members followed. The meeting was then adjourned until the second Wednesday of November when members, in Highland Dress, would meet in the Gordon Arms, Inverlochy for breakfast at precisely 9am.

A committee meeting was held on 11^th May 1816 at which a number of new members were enrolled. It was announced that the First Anniversary Meeting would be held at Inverlochy on Wednesday 12^th June when suitable prizes would be distributed to the three best performers on the Highland Bagpipe, gifted by the Highland Society of London, and to be awarded by the Judges then appointed by the Society of True Highlanders.

The meeting was held on 12^th June and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, which proved very rainy, went off with the utmost eclat. Details followed of all those attending. A committee meeting was held at an early hour to arrange the order of proceedings and to add a long list of new members to the roll. On the first day there was a bagpipe competition: ‘‘Nine competitors had started for the Bagpipe Prize, viz:

• John Buchanan, the Marquis of Huntly’s Piper.
• John McGregor, the Earl of Breadalbane’s.
• Angus McInnes, Glengarry’s.
• Angus McInnes, Fasnacloich’s.
• Malcolm McInnes, do.
• Angus MacaGhlasarich, from Lochaber, Hereditary Piper to the Keppoch Family.
• Paul McInnes, from Appin.
• Donald Fisher, from Breadalbane, and
• Allan McDonald, from Rannoch.

Several of these had previously carried off the first Prizes at the Edinburgh Competitions, and the Committee of Judges was composed of the following Gentlemen, who were enclosed so as to hear all, but see neither of the performers.

• Colonel D Stewart of Garth.
• Archibald McDonald of Rhue.
• Allan Stewart of Bunrannoch.
• Neil McLeod of Gesto, and
• Captain McCruimain, Ceannartan a’m Piob-airean.

The judges, numbering the order in which each played, awarded as follows, viz: The chief Premium, or first Prize, (which was a new full mounted Bagpipe, and Three Guineas in cash) to Donald Fisher from Breadalbane. The Second to Angus McInnes, Glengarry’s Piper, and the Third to Allan McDonald from Rannoch.’

A ball was reported, beginning at 9 o’clock. ‘Dancing (country dances and reels alternately) was kept up until 4 o’clock the next morning and concluded to an everlasting reel on the Bagpipe, from the Earl of Breadalbane’s Piper; after which the company was entertained by Donald Stewart, a Highlander from Bunroy, who danced High-dances and Jigs to his own fiddle, playing and keeping time at the same instant with perfect correctness and extreme activity.’ A long report of the Anniversary Dinner followed.

‘Thursday morning exhibited Cudgelling, the Broad Sword exercise and the Dirk dance, in great style, by McDonald, Ross and Gunn, gave much satisfaction, as did the dancing celebrity of Charles Gordon etc, and the Songs of the Bards, sung by Archibald McDonell, Bard to the Society of True Highlanders and Allan McDougall, Glengarry’s Bard.’

The next meeting was to be at Inverlochy on 30^th August with breakfast at 9am as before.

The business of the meeting was mainly the election of office bearers, with Glengarry re-elected as President.

Another meeting was held in the Gordon Arms, Inverlochy on Wednesday 13^th November, again with breakfast at 9am.

A notice for the third anniversary meeting stated that, ‘This is to intimate to all concerned that the Society of True Highlanders will hold their third Anniversary Meeting at Inverlochy upon Tuesday the 10^th of June next; Breacan an Pheile, feil beag agus Breacan Gualuinne, the Order of the Day; But to such as require indulgence, from old age or infirmity, the Treubhas Gaidhealach will not be objected to. By the Bounty of the Highland Society of London, double the last year’s allowance will be afforded, as the impartial Reward of Merit, to the best performers on the large Highland Bagpipe; and moderate travelling expenses will be allowed to all those qualified to compete, who may fail in bearing off one of the prizes.

Pipers meaning to compete, will intimate their arrival to Stewart of Achnacone, on or before 9 o’clock a.m. of the 10^th proximo.’

The Inverness Journal and Northern Advertiser on 27^th June 1817 reported that the True Highlanders Anniversary or third June meeting opened as usual at Inverlochy on Tuesday 10^th. On the second day of the celebrations there was a piping competition with eleven pipers, each giving in a list of five tunes to the committee of five judges. The pipers marched into the Garrison where Glengarry’s marquee had been pitched for the accommodation of the judges. Only one of those officiating the previous year appeared, viz Captain MacDonald, Rhue. The others were Lachlan Mackinnon of Corrychattachan, Coll Macdonell of Barrisdale, Captain Cameron Ardtoe, and Captain Alexander Macdonell, Leck. First prize, a handsome new Bagpipe and two guineas was won by John Campbell from Nether Lorn, Argyleshire; second prize three guineas, was won by Donald MacGregor from Aberfeldy, and third prize, two guineas, was won by his brother John MacGregor, Piper to the Earl of Breadalbane. Angus MacInnes. Glengarry’s Piper who was second winner the previous year, McIntyre, Kennedy, William Fraser, with some others of lesser note, were individually complimented by the judges, who decided as last year, by the number and order in which they performed, having seen none of them while at play. The remaining funds and gate collection were distributed among the unsuccessful Candidates, Bards, etc to cover their travelling expenses. ‘The Prize Pipe was made by a Highlander from Appin, called Ferguson, “Mac Aresh,” for which he received a guinea extra of the price of the instrument, as approved of at the committee Meeting of last month. And a similar Competition will continue every Spring, for the best of its kind produced before the True Highlanders, which system encourages the Manufacturer, and ensures for the best piper a first rate instrument.’

It would appear from this report that each year a competition was organised to select the prize pipe. It would be interesting to know how and by whom this was judged, and the names of makers putting forward instruments, but no report of this competition has been found.

The next notice stated, ‘The True Highlanders Fete will be given in Straider Garry, as last year, by the Fear Bunachair, upon Saturday the 13^th day of September next, where all True Highlanders are welcome. The ancient Garb of Caledonia, and the pastimes of her Mountain Race, the order of the day. MacMhic-Alistair.’

The Society met at the Salutation Inn in Perth on 12^th December to celebrate St Andrew’s Day according to the old style calendar. The pipers of the Duke of Atholl and Glengarry played together to announce the entry of their chiefs. After dinner there were toasts, songs from the Society’s bard and others. The pipers were joined by the pipers of the Earl of Kinnoul and the Gaelic Society of Perth and the evening was spent most harmoniously.

In 1818 the Anniversary meeting was advertised for Wednesday 10^th June.

A Ball was held on 9^th June then after breakfast the next day the decision on the pipe premiums was made. ‘Ten pipers presented themselves, and entered the competition, exclusive of Donald Fisher, winner of the prize pipe in 1816. Their names follow: Robert MacKay, piper to Lord Rae; Angus MacInnes, piper to Glengarry; Allan Macdonald, piper to Struan; Malcolm MacInnes, piper to Fasnacloich; John Gordon, sent by Dalcoshnie; John Stewart; Donald MacGregor from Breadalbane; Archibald MacInnes from Glengarry; William Finlayson from Knoydart and Nicol MacIntyre from Argyllshire.

The judges appointed on this occasion were Mac Mhic Alastair, founder of the Society; Ridire Eobhan Cam’ron, Baronet, of Fassfern; Duncan Stewart of Achnacone; Ceann Tighe Sliochd Dhughaill Mhic Ailein Mhic Iain Stiubhart na h-Apann; Archibald Macdonell Glenelladale, MacOigre, Ceann Tighe Ghilleaspuig Mhoir; and Alex Cameron, Inverguseran do Shliochd Mhaol-Onshaidh. 

The judges declared themselves highly satisfied with the performance of the pipers in general, as being superior in correctness of taste, and powers of execution, to every thing of the kind exhibited on former occasions; at the same time observing, that the difficulties accompanying the task of decision making were materially increased by the number and variety of tunes brought forward at the pleasure of each performer. They have adopted a resolution, herby publicly intimated, to restrict the competition for the ensuing year to a Cuairt, from the five following Bagpipe Tunes, namely, 1. Failt a Phrionsa, the Prince’s Salutation; 2. A Glas-mheur, the Fingerlock or impediment; 3. Cumha MacRigh Fearras, or King Fergus’s Son’s Lament, now Cumha Mhic an Toisich, commonly called Macintosh’s Lament; 4 Gillecriosda, Gilchrist, or Glengarry’s March; and 5. Thainig Chlann Donn’chaidh, Clan-Donochie came, commonly called An Ribein Gorm, the Blue Ribbon. Of this intimation all Pipers intending to compete next year will be pleased to take special notice.

The successful candidates for this year were the following: Donald Macgregor, from Braidalbin, came in for the first prize, being a handsome Pipe. The second was adjudged to Allan Macdonald from Rannoch; and the third to Angus MacInnes, from Glengarry. At the conclusion, the Highlanders marched off, to the music of the bagpipe, with the same regularity as they had entered Inverlochy.

A hunt was reported in October and a meeting at the Gordon Arms, Inverlochy on Thursday 12^th November 1818, with Dinner on the table at half past four o’clock.

In 1819 the annual meeting was announced for 22^nd March at the Salutation Hotel in Perth, with Dinner at 5 o’clock precisely.

A report of the event stated, ‘The spirit of the Gaedhael, with which every bosom was warmed, and which was much heightenedby the characteristic cheerfulness and urbanity of the illustrious Chief who so ably filled the chair, the martial music of the well-toned pipe, and the exhilarating song of the bard, soon inspired one universal glow of enthusiastic joy and harmony, peculiar to these meetings, in their original simplicity and native purity, which was maintained throughout till the parting hour.’

The Anniversary Meeting was reported in July, ‘The Anniversary Meeting of True Highlanders took place as usual upon Wednesday the 9^th June at Inverlochy; eight pipers entered the competition list, viz. Allan Macdonald from Rannoch; Angus MacInnes, from Glengarry; Finlay MacLeod, from Glenmoriston; William Finlayson, from Glenmeddle; John MacKenzie from Allangrange; Murdoch MacLean, pipe maker, Inverness; Donald MacLellan, from Gairloch; and Archibald MacInnes, from Laggan, Achendrome.

Owing to the necessary absence of the Secretary, and the deficiency of an advertisement, under those circumstances, from the Cean Suidhe, the prize piper of last year (and probably several others) failed in making their appearance; and the want of a previous advertisement occasioned considerable disappointment even to some of the members themselves, particularly in the morning, when judges were in requisition for deciding the bagpipe prizes; but by the kind assistance of some gentlemen not strictly qualified, a Committee was formed, and the Premiums awarded as follows: 1^st Prize for Bagpipe Music – To Murdoch MacLean, Pipemaker, Inverness; who tried likewise for the Prize awarded annually to the maker of the best Bagpipe, being a native Highlander. 2^nd ditto to Allan Macdonald. And 3^rd ditto to Angus MacInnes. Ferguson, from Argyllshire, won this year again, the Prize for Pipe Making.’

A ball followed in the evening and dancing was ‘kept up with unabated spirit till day light. Two everlasting reels, of considerable endurance, finished the joyous scene; and the whole marched from the Lodge to the martial strain of the bagpipe.’

The Fete took place in September at Straidain Garry, with a hunt, races and various other events such as stone lifting, hammer throwing and standing leap. This was followed by a meeting at Inverlochy on 30^th November, St Andrew’s day.

The next Anniversary Meeting was advertised for Wednesday 14^th June 1820 at Inverlochy. Pipers intending to compete were to give their names to the Secretary, Duncan Stewart, on Tuesday evening preceding the day of meeting.

In the unavoidable absence of Glengarry ‘it was put to the vote who should take the chair and John MacDonald of Glenaladale, a Vice President of the Society, was unanimously elected; after which the party retired to the Caledonian Hotel, Fort William, to make arrangements and appoint Judges for the Competition of Pipers.

The Judges appointed were John MacDonald of Glenaladale, Mr Ewen Cameron of Glasgow, Mr Alexander Cameron, Inverguseran, and Mr Coll McDonall of Inch.

Ten Pipers gave in their names as competitors for the prizes, viz.:

1. Angus McInnes, Piper to Colonel Macdonall of Glengarry.
2. John McKenzie, from Allangrange.
3. John McGregor, from Breadalbin.
4. Alexander McDonald, from Rannoch.
5. Donald McDougald, from Lorn.
6. John McKay, from Razay.
7. Finlay McLeod, from Glenmoriston.
8. William Fraser, from Breadalbin.
9. Donald McKay, from Corrychatachan.
10. John Campbell, from Mull.

The first Prize, a handsome Bagpipe, was awarded to Angus McInnes, Piper to MacMhic Alastair. The second Prize to John McKay from Razay. The third Prize to Donald McKay, from Corrychatachan.

The unsuccessful Candidates got each a sum of money equal to pay travelling charges.

The Judges expressed themselves highly gratified by the excellence of the whole performance, and every person present was sensible of the improvement in pipe music since the commencement of this Competition in the centre of the Highlands.

Mr Cameron, of the Caledonian Hotel, provided the Meeting with an excellent dinner; and the evening was spent with that loyalty of sentiment and conviviality which never fails to attend a meeting of True Highlanders.

From the wetness of the evening, the Ball usually given by the Society was put off until the evening of the 15^th, when a numerous party of Ladies and Gentlemen assembled in the Mason Lodge of Fort William, and kept up the dance until a late hour.’

In 1821 the Anniversary Meeting was reported as follows, The Society of True Highlanders held their seventh June meeting at Inverlochy, on Thursday the 14^th current – their Founder, Colonel Ronaldson Macdonell of Glengarry and Clanronald, in the Chair. Sixteen Pipers and four Bards, came forward upon the occasion, and it was between 5 and 6 o’clock in the morning before the last of the company retired to rest, though some broke up early in the evening.

The first Bagpipe Prize was won by John M’Kenzie, Piper to Davidson of Tulloch. The second by John MacKay, Piper to McLeod of Razay. The third by Alex Bruce, Piper to Bruce of Glenelg. As bards- Ranald Macdonald “do Clann Dhubhail,” had won a Prize in November last. So did Fraser from Strathspey on the present occasion. Murdoch MacLean, from Inverness, won as the best Bagpipe Maker. Duncan Ferguson the second best.

The Bagpipe tunes required for next year are:

1. Co-pennal Clan Donuil
2. Gillichriste
3. Failte MacAllan Mich Eain Dubh
4. Tulloch Ard
5. Cumha Mhic-in-Toisach

And no other ones will be taken after this notice.’

•Bagpipe Maker Murdoch MacLean is quite well known. He was Piper to MacLean of Ardgour before setting up as a bagpipe maker in Glasgow from 1815 to 1818. He then moved to Inverness where he continued as a bagpipe maker. At the Edinburgh competition he was awarded 4^th prize in 1814, 2^nd in 1815 and was given prizes for producing written music in 1814 and 1818.

•Nothing is known of Duncan Ferguson apart from the reports of his pipe making for the competitions of the True Highlanders.

The Fete took place on Sunday 15^th October at Straidan, and was, at the outset, from the hardness of the weather, attended by fewer Highlanders than usual on such occasions; but several of the old hands came forward as the day advanced. Competitions include tossing the caber tree, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, lifting the stone over the bar, foot race and leaping the plaid. ‘After these, a cow, killed for the purpose, was presented by Glengarry, in order to revive the ancient feat of wrenching the knee joints by manual strength, when John Macra, from Glenquoich, took off the two fore feet in succession, much to the satisfaction of all present; Mr Macra, of Glenquoich (though lamer at the time), took out the first hind foot; and Ranald na Craig took out the remaining one. John Macdonell, from Faichan t-ard has taken out two joints before now, but he declined entering the lists on the present occasion. The great feat is for one man to take out three joints running, which many of the old Highlanders have been known to do, who from a freak would not touch the fourth; and Ranald Macdonell, late of Greenfield, has been known to take out the three joints of a red deer hind, which is considered an herculean exertion.’

The society met at Inverlochy on Saturday 29^th December with Glengarry in the Chair. No activities were reported other than that a most dutiful and loyal Address to his Majesty was adopted. A reply was reported in January saying his Majesty was pleased to express, in the most gracious terms, the satisfaction afforded him by this additional testimony of the loyal and affectionate attachment of his faithful subjects in the Highlands of Scotland.

In 1822 the Anniversary Meeting was advertised for Wednesday 13^th June at Inverlochy. Pipers intending to compete were to lodge their names the evening preceding the meeting.

No report of the meeting has been found.

In preparation for the Royal visit to Edinburgh which was to take place in 1822 the advice of Walter Scott was sought. Scott seized the opportunity to invent a pageant in which ancient Scotland would be reborn.  A small committee was set up, with Scott’s principal assistant being his friend Major General David Stewart of Garth, a member of The Celtic Society which had been founded in Edinburgh in 1820 and of which Scott was also a member.

Scott brought the Highland societies and the Clan chieftains together in making the arrangements. Stewart of Garth organised the Celtic Society as honour guards but this offended Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry, who demanded that his Society of True Highlanders be given precedence, but this was disregarded.

The first of Scott’s pageants preceded the visit. It took place on the King’s 60th birthday, on Monday 12^th August 1822. In procession the Midlothian Yeomanry and companies of Highlanders escorted coaches carrying the Regalia of Scotland and dignitaries from the Castle to Holyrood Palace. The procession assembled on The Mound before going up to the Castle, and within minutes of setting off was halted by the arrival on horseback of a flamboyantly dressed Glengarry who announced that it was his rightful place to ride at the head of the procession. After a pause, a Captain Ewan MacDougall persuaded the hot-tempered Glengarry to go away. Watched by packed crowds, the procession formally received the regalia then returned down to The Mound then down to Princes Street and on by Calton Hill to Holyrood house.

The King landed on Thursday 15^th August. After speeches of welcome the King proceeded to his carriage. There followed a pause for the King to rest, but this was interrupted by Glengarry on horseback galloping up beside the King, sweeping off his bonnet and loudly announcing “Your Majesty is welcome to Scotland.” One newspaper reported, ‘The Glengarry Highlanders, under the command of Colonel Ranaldson Macdonell of Glengarry and Clanronald, arrived at Leith at a little past eleven, keeping possession of the Royal carriage till his Majesty stepped into it; they then occupied the station appointed to them, which was nearest to the Royal Person of all the Highlanders, being next to the Royal Company of Archers.

An advertisement appeared in the Inverness Journal on 30^th May 1823, announcing that the Anniversary Meeting would be held at Inverlochy on 12^th June. Pipers intending to compete were to give in their names to Mr Stuart of Achnacone at Fort William, the evening preceding the Meeting. No report of the meeting has been found.

On 4^th June 1824 an advertisement for the meeting stated that it would be held at Inverlochy on 10^th June, with pipers to give in their names the evening before, but again but no report of the meeting followed.

A similar advertisement appeared on 26^th May 1826, for meeting on 15^th June, with pipers giving their names the preceding evening. Only a brief report appeared, with no mention of a piping competition.

On 1^st June 1827 the usual advertisement was published saying the meeting would be held on 14^th Jun., again with pipers intending to compete giving in their names the preceding evening.

There was no report of the event and no more references have been found to the Society of True Highlanders. Perhaps enthusiasm had waned or the funds had run low. From 1822 onwards newspapers seem to have lost interest in reporting their activities.

On 17 January 1828, Alastair MacDonell of Glengarry died at Corran on Loch Linnhe from an attack of brain fever. The steamer taking Glengarry back to Edinburgh was wrecked in a storm off Corran, south of Fort William. The Chief jumped from the ship but hit his head on the rocks. He was taken to a house, but died that night.

According to the Inverness Courier, the funeral procession of five miles from Invergarry to Kilfinnan was followed by 1500 men and 150 gentry, the coffin being carried breast-high by eighteen Highlanders. In addition to Glengarry’s Lament, composed by his piper Archibald Munro another lament was composed by his blind household bard Allan MacDougall. Sir Walter Scott composed Glengarry’s Death Song, an undoubted expression of his genuine affection for the dead chief.

Glengarry’s piper in 1828, Archibald Munro was born around 1799/1800, son of Donald Munro and Margaret Fraser and was taught by John Mackay, Raasay. He is not mentioned in any of the earlier reports but he would have been very young at that time. Glengarry’s piper during those years was Angus MacInnes. After Glengarry’s death Archibald Munro became Piper to Sir John MacRae KCB of Ardintoul who died in 1847. At the Edinburgh competition Archibald Munro won the 3^rd prize in 1835. He died in 1856 aged 56 at Fort Augustus.

Glengarry was succeeded by his only son Aeneas, born 1808, but the estate was much mortgaged and heavily in debt. The only solution was to sell off the lands. It was ten years later when a buyer was found. Edward Ellice bought the western portion of the lands, and shortly after, the eastern portion was bought by the Marquis of Huntly. Clansmen continued to emigrate up to the 1850s. Lord Huntly soon sold on the Glengarry portion to an Englishman, Lord Ward 1817–1885, who in 1860 became Earl of Dudley. Lord Ward instituted another Glengarry Gathering in 1841. For the second gathering in 1842 reports mention Lord Ward’s piper, Angus MacKay. He probably composed the March Glengarry Gathering during his employment with Lord Ward.

The Society of True Highlanders was a completely different organisation from the London based Club of True Highlanders, a benevolent ‘Caledonian Society’ founded in London circa 1817. Throughout the 19^th century this Club organised regular meetings, an annual ball, a St Andrew’s dinner, sports, social evenings and in the 1860s and 1870s Highland Games. Their activities were reported in an earlier series of articles on competitions in London.