Duncan died on July 1, 1898. Sons John and Gavin were already running the business. Both were members of the Aberfeldy Pipe Band. It was Gavin who wanted to continue the business. John, was an expert turner, having worked in the shop with Duncan full-time from age 13. His real passion was cabinet making and he returned to that trade following the eventual closure of the bagpipe business.
Gavin spent most of his time cavorting about and eventually fell victim to pneumonia. He died on May 8, 1910 at the age of 35. John continued the business for a few years. He brought Bert Gillanders in to assist, but when Bert left, the business was shut down. Jeannie Campbell writes that following Gavin’s death, a younger brother, Allan, took over the business. Allan was a law clerk and perhaps better suited for running the business. John continued as an employee until the business closed a few years later.
It should be understood that, although Gavin’s name was on the MacDougall bagpipe (as G C MacDougall) after Duncan’s death, it is said that he had very little to do with the making of bagpipes. Brother John took over full manufacturing of the instrument following his death. In the last years, bores were changed and the instrument failed to live up to earlier MacDougall bagpipes. Gavin succumbed to a free lifestyle and John’s passion turned toward cabinet making. In the final years, the bagpipe drifted away from the instrument that Duncan had made so famous.
The MacDougall family of makers came to an end around 1913 however they left us with a legacy of excellence in tone and in behavior. There have been better turners over the years however few would challenge the MacDougall bagpipe for its presence, steadiness, and seamless, singular sound.
