Robert Gillanders worked for James Center, Edinburgh as a bagpipe maker in 1891. He was 26 years old at that time. In 1908 Center and his family immigrated to Australia. Gillanders moved to Aberfeldy where he worked for Gavin MacDougall. A short while later, perhaps after Gavin died in 1910, Gillanders and his family moved to Dundee where Robert and his two sons, Robert Jr and James Center, worked for Thow Brothers Bagpipe Makers.
In 1926 Robert "old Bert" established his own bagpipe and reed making business . The firm became Robert Gillanders & Son in 1959 at Forfar. Robert Jr., known as “young Bob" was also a registered silversmith. The firm became Gillanders and McLeod in 1972. Robert Sr. died in 1977 and Robert Jr. died in 1997.
This exhibit shows silver stamped R.G.
In 1972 Iain McLeod, Pipe Major of the World Champion Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band bought into the business and it became Gillanders and McLeod. The picture of "young Bob" is ca 1972.
