Duncan MacDougall

Piecing together the story of the MacDougall makers can be daunting to say the least. Duncan was the most famous of the MacDougall family of makers. His bagpipes are perhaps the most sought-after and most coveted of any bagpipe worldwide. Duncan's bagpipes are revered for having a broad and rich spectrum of sound with a seamless blend of bass and tenors.

Duncan is thought to have taken over his father's (John) business in Perth in 1857. According to Jeannie Campbell (her book, Highland Bagpipe Makers, is an absolute must!) from 1851 to 1867 Duncan's exact whereabouts is unknown. His obituary, which is posted below, indicates that he traveled abroad for several years. From 1867 to 1870 in various records, Duncan is described as a "wood turner journeyman." This casts a significant shadow of doubt over those Duncan MacDougall bagpipes said to be "ca 1860" or earlier.

Duncan first appears in the Edinburgh trade directory in 1872 as a bagpipe maker. In 1873 Duncan moved to Taymouth Castle. He continued to make bagpipes during this time stamped "Breadalbane". In 1891 Duncan is described as a bagpipe maker living in Aberfeldy.