MacDougall, Allan

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This bagpipe came with a prize shield issued by the HS of Perth, in 1828. It is very rubbed but the name Cameron is legible enough. The first name has about five or six letters. Who could it be? The pipes are certainly Allan MacDougall’s and retained the original chanter.

According to the Perthshire Courier, 2 October 1828:

“On Tuesday the annual Competition of Pipers, Dancers, &c., for prizes given by the Gaelic Society of Perthshire, took place at the top of the North Inch. As usual, a great concourse of spectators assembled witness the feats and exercises. The proceedings were conducted under the immediate superintendence of Dr. Stewart of Bonskeid, the President. ‘The specimens of pipe-playing gave ample proof that the performance our ancient national music is not falling off in this quarter.’ Various astonishing feats of strength and agility were exhibited, and the sports on the whole afforded much amusement. The following prizes were awarded to the individuals whose names are appended, as the successful competitors:

1st – The best Player ancient Highland the Great Highland Bag-pipe—A handsome full-mounted Bag-pipe.—To Angus Cameron, Rannoch.”

The bottom right pieces (two tenor tops and one tenor bottom) came to me many years ago. They are obviously the work of Allan MacDougall and a perfect match for the 1828 prize pipe!

The MacDougall bagpipe making history goes back to the 16th Century and perhaps even further.  They were not only hereditary pipers but also skilled at turning wood and making their own bagpipes. Although there is certainly a “pre” history, Allan MacDougall moved from Taymouth Castle, where he was employed as a piper, in Perth sometime between 1781 and 1790. In 1790 he married and opened a bagpipe making business.

The bagpipe pictured to the right came with a chanter marked MacDougall, PERTH.  Experts believe that the bagpipe pre-dates the chanter considerably and may well reach back to 1750. The first mention of Allan as a bagpipe maker occurs in The Bagpipe Preceptor by Captain Menzies, published 1815:
“I shall bring up my practising chanter, made by Allan MacDougall, pipe-maker, High Street, Perth; and if you promise to make good use of it, I shall make you a present of it.”

These images are courtesy of long-time good friend Andreas Hartmann-Virnich of France. His primary interest is in the very earliest (pre-1800)instruments and makers.

The bellows border pipe below is the work of Allan MacDougall.

The pictures below are courtesy of Dougie Forsyth of New Zealand. This bagpipe is said to “1830”. The very squat projecting mounts suggests that it is the work of Allan MacDougall.

I was especially pleased to have rescued this bagpipe. It was hidden within a suitcase in a garage for many years. It has been authenticated as the work of Allan MacDougall. Although in very sad condition, a thorough restoration is currently underway.