The long tradition of bagpipe making under the Glen family names seems to have started with the sons of John Glen (born July 29, 1755). John and wife Betty moved the family to the Cowgate in Edinburgh in the very early 1800’s. Here the boys learned various trades and skills of commerce.
In the Beginning…
George Glen – born March 13 1790. – He was described in old records as an auctioneer, appraiser, haberdasher, broker, cabinet maker, and musical instrument maker. Little is known of his work however his bagpipes do surface from time-to-time. It’s quite likely that others are in circulation but are not identified as his work. It is also probable that he was associated with the earliest makers in Edinburgh.
Thomas Glen
brother to George and Alexander Glen
b. May 4, 1804 – July 12, 1873
Thomas Glen Bagpipe Maker
1827 – 250 Cowgate, Edinburgh
1828 – 337 Cowgate, Edinburgh
1829 – 265 Cowgate, Edinburgh
1838 – 2 North Bank Street, Edinburgh
J & R Glen – 1866
Thomas’ sons:
John Glen
b. June 13, 1833 – Nov. 29, 1904
Robert Glen
b. Jan. 13, 1835 – Oct. 21, 1911
J & R Glen – 1911
John’s son, Thomas Glen
b. Aug. 5, 1867 – Aug. 21, 1951
Thomas owned and operated
J & R Glen until his
retirement in 1940.
John’s sons, Thomas’ and Robert worked together until 1940. Andrew Ross, employed by J & R Glen since 1911 managed the business from 1940 until 1954, when he became the proprietor. He continued until 1978, when Gordon Stobo took over. The business closed in the early 1980’s after 150 years.
Alexander Glen
brother to George and Thomas Glen
b. Aug. 19, 1801 – March 14, 1873
Alexander Glen, Bagpipe Maker
1842 – 250 Cowgate, Edinburgh
1845 – 30 West Register St., Edinburgh
1847 – 30 St. Andrews St., Edinburgh
1872 – 16 Carlton Hill (Alexander’s home)
David Glen
Alexander’s son.
b. April 3, 1853 – June 25, 1916
He opened
David Glen, Bagpipe Maker
in 1873
8 Greenside Place, Edinburgh
David Glen & Sons – 1916
David Jr. assisted by his
brother, Alexander.
David Jr.retired in 1949 and sold the remaining
stock to J & R Glen.
