Continuing the series of substantial research articles by Jeannie Campbell MBE, focusing on piping and pipers in Dundee in the 1800s. Links to parts 1 to 3 are at the foot of this page.
• PART 4 •
BY JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE.
The second annual gathering of the Dundee Celtic Club was held on Saturday 19th July and was reported in several papers. It was supported by the municipal dignitaries and the officers of the Volunteers. The weather was described as singularly unpropitious. The procession led by a band made up of the competing pipers left the Royal Hotel at 2.30 during heavy rain. By 3pm when the sports were due to start there was no improvement but the events began at 3.30pm and continued to the close. Despite the weather, about 2,000 people were present. Results for piping were: Best and Most Complete Dressed Highlander at his own expense, 8 competitors, 1. Silver Medal, John Finlay, University Club, Edinburgh; 2. 10s, W C McPherson, Dundee. Playing Pibrochs on the Great Highland Bagpipe, 5 competitors, 1. Silver medal and 15s, Donald McPhee, Glasgow; 2. 20s, Wm Murray, Dundee. Playing Highland Reels, 14 competitors, 1. 25s, William Murray, Dundee; 2. 15s, D McPhee, Glasgow; 3. 10s, W C McPherson, Dundee. Playing Marches and Quicksteps on the Highland Bagpipe, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood, 14 competitors, 1. Silver Medal, W Murray, Dundee; 2. J Stuart, Dundee; 3. John Coutts, Dundee. Donald MacPhee was also a prize winner in the dancing events and the Broadsword Exercises.
•Donald MacPhee was born in 1842 at Bothwell in Lanarkshire of Islay parentage but lived in Glasgow from about 1861. In 1871 he became a bagpipe maker. He published a tutor for the bagpipe, a collection of light music and two collections of piobaireachd. From 1867 to 1877 Donald MacPhee was a regular competitor, winning prizes for both piping and dancing at the Argyllshire Gathering, Northern Meeting and many other competitions. Although his business was very successful his health broke down under the strain. He died in December 1880 at Lenzie Asylum near Glasgow aged 38.
The third annual Highland Gathering of the Dundee Celtic Club on Saturday 11th July 1874 in the Barrack Park was witnessed by about 7000 spectators. The Dundee Courier told the story of the day; ‘Shortly after the games had begun, part of the enclosing fence within which the competitions were held, was broken down by the pressure of the crowd and hundreds at once rushed through the breaches into the arena. A number of the intruders were caught by the police and members of the club and dragged back to the fence, but while this was being done the crowd broke into the arena at other places. The police and club members were now completely overpowered, and this being observed by the crowd which still remained outside the fence all cleared it at once, and came forward almost en masse into the arena and contracted it to such small limits that the games had to be stopped for nearly half an hour. The police and others attempted to clear the ground, but this was found to be entirely in vain, for as soon as the crowd was driven back in one part they came forward in another. The struggle continued until the crowd obtained the mastery. Mr McFarland, of the Music Hall, appealed to the people, for the sake of their own good name as citizens of Dundee, to retire from the arena, as unless that was done it would be impossible to proceed. This appeal was derisively cheered and laughed at. It was then resolved again to try physical force to restore order. A number of boards about 12 or 14 feet in length were brought into requisition, and several groups of six or eight men, each armed with a board, proceeded in press-gang fashion to drive back the crowd. A trial of strength now took place between the press-gang men and the crowd, for the latter, as soon as a collision took place, seized the board, and instead of being made to retreat they drove back their assailants. For a considerable time the greatest uproar and confusion prevailed, but by and by the crowd was driven back to the fences, and there they remained till the close of the games about seven o’ clock. Such disgraceful conduct on the part of a crowd has not been witnessed for many years in Dundee.’
Results were, Best and Most Complete Dressed Highlander at his own expense. 5 competitors, 1. Silver Medal, David Robertson Snr, Perth; 2. 15s, William Small, Dundee.
Playing Pibrochs on the Great Highland Bagpipe, 5 competitors, 1. Silver Cup, John Stuart, piper to the Dundee Highland Volunteers; 2. 20s, Duncan MacDougall, piper to the Marquis of Breadalbane, Taymouth Castle. Playing Highland Reels, 10 competitors, 1. 30s, Duncan MacDougall, Taymouth Castle; 2. 20s, Donald McPhee, Glasgow; 3. 15s, John Stuart, Dundee. Playing Marches and Quicksteps on the Highland Bagpipe, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood, 8 competitors, 1. Silver Medal and 10s, Charles Campbell, Carnoustie; 2. 15s, John Stuart, Dundee; 3. 12s, John Duncan, Dundee; 4. 10s, John Coutts, Dundee; 5. 8s, William Forbes, Dundee. In the dancing events Donald McPhee got a first and two seconds, with prize money of 20s, 15s, and 15s.
The judges for piping were Messrs Murdoch, Inverness; Robertson, Dundee and McIntosh, Dundee. For dancing the judges were Messrs Murdoch, Inverness; E Guild, Dundee and Davidson, Dundee. For the best dressed the judges were Captain Reid, Messrs Lawson, Dundee and Matheson, Dundee.
Reports of the disorder appeared in many other newspapers around the country under headings such as ‘Riot at Dundee Highland Games.’
From June 12th onwards and through the early part of July 1875 in the Dundee Courier an advertisement stated, ‘Dundee Highland Games. The Dundee Celtic Club beg to inform the Public that they have no connection with the above Games, but that their Annual Highland Gathering and Games will take place under distinguished patronage on 17th July next, when about £70 will be given as Prizes. For particulars see Handbills and future advertisements. By order of the Committee. Robt McNaughton, President.’
On June 17th 1875 the Dundee Courier published this letter, ‘Sir, In your contemporary of last Saturday I observed an opportune letter anent athletic games that are to be held this month in the Barrack Park, under the auspices of some organisation calling itself by the name of a club. In the said letter there were a number of queries put, answers to which I humbly think the public, and especially the Dundee Celtic Club, have a right to demand. I have been watching diligently since the appearance of that letter for a reply, but, as none is forthcoming, I beg again to call for such. I consider it to be the height of intrusion for the party advertising such games calling them The Dundee Highland Games, and it is also very misleading, for all who speak to me about them are under the impression that they are the games usually held by the Dundee Celtic Club, and I therefore think that we, the Dundee public, should put forth an effort to support the Celtic Club against anything of this kind by reserving our patronage for their annual games, which I am glad to observe are coming off on the 17th July. Yours, etc, Young Dundee.’
Neither the letter referred to, nor any report of another Highland Games in Dundee can be found. In the week following the Games held on 17th July, the Dundee Courier reported, ‘The fourth Annual Games of the Dundee Celtic Club was held in the Barrack Park last Saturday, and was reported as ‘in every respect a decided success. The weather was splendid. It was calculated that between 7,000 and 8,000 persons paid for admission, and quite as many were content with the view which could be had from the enclosing walls and other points of vantage. Among those present was a considerable number from Arbroath. The total number of entries was 232, and £70 was given away in prizes. The meeting was conducted in an orderly manner. A grandstand was erected against the north wall of the Park, and was chiefly occupied by the fair sex. Shortly before three o’clock the committee and competitors, headed by a band of pipers, marched in procession from the Royal Hotel to the Park, a great crowd following them all along the route. The competitions were begun shortly after the arrival of the procession on the ground, and were vigorously carried on to the close. The first competition was for best dressed Highlanders. The competitors, six in number, were drawn up in front of the grandstand, and, after being inspected by the judges, the prize gainers were conducted to the platform and presented to the audience, the announcement of their names being received with applause by the immense assemblage. The games then proceeded with great spirit, several competitions being carried on at the same time. The arrangements were admirable and reflect the utmost credit on the Committee and their energetic Secretary Mr McIntyre. Altogether, the meeting proved the most attractive and successful which the Celtic Club has had since its formation. The large crowd behaved with the greatest decorum during the whole proceedings. A strong body of police, under the command of Lieutenant Lyall, were on the ground. The judges were, Colonel Alison, Captains Don and Reid, Quartermaster Guild, Pipe Major Bain, and Messrs McFarland, Menzies, McIntosh, Gray, Matheson, and Black.’
The results were, Best Dressed Highlander at his own expense: six entries. 1. Handsome silver medal, James Robertson, Edinburgh; 2. 25s, W Small, Dundee. Playing Pibrochs on the Great Highland Bagpipe: eight entries. 1. silver medal and 20s, George McPherson, piper to the Dowager Duchess of Athole; 2. John Stewart, piper, Dundee Highland Volunteers. Playing Highland Reels: thirteen entries. 1. 30s James Robertson, Edinburgh; 2. 20s, George McPherson, Athole; 3. 15s, William Murray, Dundee Highland Volunteers. Playing Marches and Quicksteps on the Great Highland Bagpipe, confined to Dundee and Neighbourhood, then entries. 1. A handsome shoulder buckle, William Murray; 2. 15s, John Stewart; 3. 10s, Alex Kay. Dancing Highland Fling, sixteen entries: 1. 20s Wm Forbes, Dundee; 2. 15s, Wm McLennan, Dundee; 3. 10s, John Coutts, Dundee. Dancing Highland Reels, fourteen entries, 1. 20s, John Coutts, Dundee; 2. 15s, David Robertson, Perth; 3. 10s, D Lawson, Dundee, Gillie Callum, sword dance, thirteen entries, 1. 20s Wm McLennan, Dundee; 2. 15s, David Robertson, Perth; 3. 10s, D Lawson, Dundee. Reel of Hullachan, thirteen entries: 1. 20s, Jackson Robb, Dundee, 2. 15s, James Ward, Dundee; 3. 10s, Wm McLennan, Dundee.
•William MacLennan was a cousin of G S McLennan. William was born in 1860 at Fairburn, Ross-shire son of William, a brother Lt John MacLennan. He was a champion dancer and piper. He was a member of the Dundee City Police, Piper to Arthur Bignold, trained as an Architect in Edinburgh and travelled abroad as a dancer with Scott Skinner. He won the Prize Pipe at the Northern Meeting in 1878 the Gold Medal for Former Winners in 1879 and the March in 1887. At the Argyllshire Gathering he won the Gold Medal in 1878, the March in 1882 and 1888 and the Strathspey and Reel in 1878 and 1884. He died from meningitis in Montreal, Canada in 1892 when on tour with Scott Skinner.
•James Robertson may beJames who wasborn in 1845 at Moulin, Perthshire. In 1871 he was Piper to the Earl of Breadalbane, in 1873 and 1874 Piper to F Gordon Campbell of Troup. At the Northern Meeting he was 2nd for Piobaireachd in 1871, 1873 and 1874 and 2nd for Strathspeys and Marches in 1874. The better known James Robertson of Edinburgh was born in 1866 and his son James the bagpipe maker, was born in 1893.
•George MacPherson was born at Atholl in 1841, son of PM John MacPherson 1806-1880 who was Pipe Major of the Atholl Highlanders and piper to the Duke of Atholl from 1826 for 54 years. He followed his father as piper to the Atholl family. He died in 1893.
In January 1876 the pipe and drum band played at the funeral of a private in the regiment. The advertisements for the Forfar Games to be held on Friday 4th August 1876 stated that during the preceding evening Donald Bain with his pipe band would parade through the streets. The following year at the Forfar Games the pipe band of the 78th Highlanders was present and also the Volunteer Band.
During June 1876 the Annual Highland Gathering and Games of the Dundee Celtic Club was advertised for Saturday 15th July in the Barrack Park. Afterwards it was reported to be the most successful which has yet been held since the formation of the Club. The day was fine but the heat was oppressive, the glare of the sun rendering it rather uncomfortable for the spectators and competitors. The number present was thought to be between six and seven thousand. At three o’clock the procession of committee, judges and competitors from the Royal Hotel to the Park was headed by the Brass Band of the Dundee Highland Volunteers. The sports began after its arrival and continued until eight o’clock. There was a performance of local gymnasts on the trapeze and horizontal bar and a detachment of the 1st Royal Scots from Dudhope Barracks entertained the audience with the platoon and bayonet exercise, and a running match in heavy marching order. The dancing and bagpipe playing were of a superior description, a host of competitors having entered for these. Descriptions of the races and athletic events followed. The results were, Best Dressed Highlander at his own expense, 1. Silver medal, Donald McPhee, Glasgow; 2. 15s, Wm Small, Dundee. Playing Pibrochs,
1. Gold medal, J Roberts, Edinburgh; 2. Shoulder brooch, G McPherson, Dunkeld; 3. J M Gillies, Aberdeen. Playing Highland Reels, 18 entered, 1, 30s, Wm Murray, Dundee; 2. 20s, Donald MacPhee, Glasgow; 3. 15s, James Murie, Perth. Playing Marches and Quicksteps, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood, 11 entered, 1. Gold medal, William Murray, Dundee; 2. 15s, Wm McLennan, Dundee; 3. 10s, J Stewart, Dundee. Donald MacPhee and R McKinnon, both from Glasgow, were prize winners in the dancing events.
•Robert MacKinnon was born at Skipness in 1834/35 and taught by his uncle Donald Ferguson. In 1861 he was tackman at the Erskine Ferry Inn, then a Wine and Spirit Dealer in Glasgow then from 1875 to1902 a Bagpipe Maker in Glasgow. He was PM 105th Glasgow Highlanders. He published a Tutor and Collection of Music in 1884. He won the Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal in 1880 and the Strathspey and Reel in 1881. At the Northern Meeting he won the Strathspeys and Marches in 1880. He died in Glasgow in 1907.
In 1877 advance notices appeared in early July for the sixth annual Gathering under the auspices of the Dundee Celtic Club, which was to be held on Saturday 21st July. There were to be 25 competitions with £70 in prize money, plus a gold cross, two gold medals, three gold pendants and a silver medal. A new event was to be a Tug of War between ten men of the Dundee Volunteers and ten soldiers from the Barracks, the winning side to receive 40s. During the proceedings the brass band of the Dundee Highlanders was to perform a selection of national and other music. The report on the Monday following the games said the weather was dull but fine. Arrangements in the Park were as before and there were several thousand spectators. The procession, including a detachment of the Highland Volunteers, and led by the Volunteer band left the Royal Hotel shortly before threeo’clock and the sports began shortly after its arrival at the Park and continued until eighto’clock. The Tug of War was won by the Volunteers. The judges were: for best dressed Highlander, Captains Don and Reid; Pipe playing, Captain Rankine of Dudhope, Mr Simon Piper of Middleton House, and A Robertson; for dancing Captains Don and Reid, and Messrs Mathewson and Menzies.
The results were, Best Dressed Highlander at his own expense, nine competitors, 1. Gold Maltese cross, Donald McPhee, Glasgow; 2. silver star medal, James Duncan, Dundee.
Playing Pibrochs, eleven competitors, 1. Gold medal, James Robertson, Edinburgh; 2. Silver medal, Wm Murray, Dundee. Playing Highland Reels, twenty competitors, 1. Gold medal, Donald McPhee, Glasgow; 2. 15s, William McLennan, Dundee; 3. 10s, James Moon, St Martins. Playing Marches and Quicksteps, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood, eleven competitors, 1. Gold pendant, Murdoch McKinnon; 2. shoulder brooch, John Coutts; 3. 10s, James Duncan. In the dancing events Donald McPhee and William McLennan were prize winners.
In February 1878 at Cooke’s Royal Circus, Nethergate, Dundee an equestrian pageant entitled ‘The World’s Homage to Britain’s Queen and Empress of India’ was held. The performance consisted of a cavalcade representing the various countries of the universe and, ‘By kind permission of Colonel Guthrie and Officers, the splendid Pipe and Brass Bands of the Dundee Highlanders will take part in this imposing Spectacle.’
At the annual inspection of the regiment the numbers of officers and men was included in the report. The brass band and pipe band together had 27 members. The inspecting officer, Colonel Robertson Ross passed a high eulogium upon both the bands of the regiment, remarking that the playing of the pipe band was about the finest he had ever heard.
A letter prior to the 1878 gathering complained about the admission charges the previous year. The bills said admission to the ground was 6d, arena 6d and grandstand 1s, but when asking for a grandstand ticket he and others were told they would have to pay first for an arena ticket so the cost was 1s 6d which caused a great deal of grumbling. In the years before that only the one grandstand ticket had been required.
The seventh Dundee Celtic Club Highland Gathering was held on the afternoon of Saturday 20th July 1878 in the Barrack Park. The weather was very favourable and over 8,000 attended with £200 being taken at the gate. There was about £100 in prize money. The procession left the Albion Hotel shortly before 3pm headed by the Brass Band of the Dundee Rifle Volunteers, which later played at intervals throughout the duration of the gathering. Arrangements at the Park were much as before.
A new attraction for pipers was the handsome sum of £20 and the Dudhope Gold Medal presented by Captain Campbell Rankine of Dudhope, the President of the Club. This was split into two prizes for the piobaireachd with £15 for first and £5 for second. A third prize of £2 was given by the Club. The competition began early in the day, there were 15 entries and the event occupied six or seven hours. The judges, Captain Archibald Leslie, Mr Gordon L Money and Mr Paton were specially selected by Captain Rankine. The results for this event were, 1. Ronald MacKenzie, Pipe Major 78th Highlanders, Curragh Camp, Ireland; 2. Alexander MacDonald, piper to the Earl of Fife, Mar Lodge, Braemar; 3. George McPherson, piper to the Dowager Duchess of Atholl, Dunkeld. Other results were, Playing Highland Reels: 19 entered. 1. 25s, Ronald McKenzie; 2. 15s, James Robertson, Edinburgh; 3. 10s, W Murray Dundee. Marches and Quicksteps, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood: 19 entries. 1. Gold Pendant. William McLennan, Dundee; 2. Sporran. James McDonald, Dundee; 3. Pair hose. J Duncan, Dundee. Best Dressed Highlander at his own expense. 1. Gold pendant, James Duncan, Dundee; 2. Shoulder brooch, James Robertson. Also gaining prizes in the dancing events were James Robertson, Edinburgh, William McLennan Dundee, and Pipe Sergeant Major R McKinnon, Glasgow. In the evening the committee supped together at the Albion Hotel with Captain Rankine in the chair.
•Ronald MacKenzie, born 1841/2 at Strathpeffer was the son of John Ban MacKenzie’s brother Alexander MacKenzie. He was taught by John Ban. He enlisted in 1860 and was PM 78th Highlanders then PM Ross-shire Militia (3rd Militia Batt Seaforth) 1879-1893. From 1893 to 1916 he was Piper to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon at Gordon Castle. At the Northern Meeting he won the Prize Pipe in 1859, the Strathspeys and Marches in 1861, the Former Winners Gold Medal in 1863 and the Champion of Champions Gold Medal for Gold Medal winners in 1873. He died aged 74 in 1916 at Gordon Castle.