The MacDougall family of bagpipe makers is one of the most important chapters in the history of the instrument. Spanning four generations from 1792 to 1910, MacDougall bagpipes established standards in sound and performance that have been the benchmark for players and makers during their time and thereafter. To this day, the many MacDougall instruments that have survived attract great attention and acclaim.
Our journey starts with Allan around 1790, when he is known to have opened a shop in Perth making bagpipes and accessories. Allan is described as both a wheelwright and a turner.
Allan's son, John, was born in 1802. In business directories he is listed as a turner until 1843 when he first appears as a bagpipe maker. He died March 5, 1857 at which time the business was thought to have been taken over by his son, Duncan. The business once again changed hands with Duncan's death in July 1898. Son's Gavin and John ran the business until Gavin's early death in 1910. The business continued for some short time thereafter (1917-1920) before the stock and machinery were sold. Click on their names below to view their pages.
Our journey starts with Allan around 1790, when he is known to have opened a shop in Perth making bagpipes and accessories. Allan is described as both a wheelwright and a turner.
Allan's son, John, was born in 1802. In business directories he is listed as a turner until 1843 when he first appears as a bagpipe maker. He died March 5, 1857 at which time the business was thought to have been taken over by his son, Duncan. The business once again changed hands with Duncan's death in July 1898. Son's Gavin and John ran the business until Gavin's early death in 1910. The business continued for some short time thereafter (1917-1920) before the stock and machinery were sold. Click on their names below to view their pages.
 |
 |
The documents above are written by Dougie Forsythe and provide a unique glimpse into the MacDougall family. Many thanks to Dougie for sharing.
 |
The MacDougalls