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 from an early age, but his real passion was cabinet making.
Gavin spent most of his time cavorting about and eventually fell victim to pneumonia and died on May 8, 1910 at the age of 35. John continued the business for a few years. He brought Bert Gillanders to assist but when Bert left the business was shut down.
This information came to me through Dougie Forsythe, based on his conversations with Jessie MacDougall, Duncan's eldest daughter.
Jeannie Campbell writes that following Gavin's death, a younger brother, Allen, took over the business. Allen 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.
Gavin spent most of his time cavorting about and eventually fell victim to pneumonia and died on May 8, 1910 at the age of 35. John continued the business for a few years. He brought Bert Gillanders to assist but when Bert left the business was shut down.
This information came to me through Dougie Forsythe, based on his conversations with Jessie MacDougall, Duncan's eldest daughter.
Jeannie Campbell writes that following Gavin's death, a younger brother, Allen, took over the business. Allen 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.
Hallmarked 1906
Very nice full ivory Gavin MacDougall bagpipe. The split blowpipe stock housed a water trap. The 1910 set below has the same feature.
Gavin MacDougall
Plaque states 1903
Bagpipe below was apparently made for the owner in 1910
It should be understood that, although Gavin's name was on the MacDougall bagpipe after Duncan's death, it is said that he had very little to do with the making of bagpipe. Brother John turned the ivory for Duncan from a young age and took over full manufacturing of the instrument following his death. In the last years, things got away from both and Gavin succumbed to a free lifestyle and John's passion turned toward cabinet making. In the final years, the bagpipe little resembled the instrument that Duncan had made so famous.
