Tragically, Donald died of smallpox at age 30 while visiting his father in Munlochy. His passing was seen as a great loss for piping at the time. Donald Cameron played “The Lament for the Children” before a large cortege at his funeral. Later, John Ban would commemorate his son with his own composition, “His Father’s Lament for Donald MacKenzie”. Donald and John Ban are both buried in Kenettas Graveyard, Strathpeffer.
The carry case is a stained wooden box with two metal sliding and locking mechanisms. The age, look, and construction are similar to a case made by John Ban MacKenzie for John Ronald MacKenzie, Donald’s younger brother. That case is now part of the National Museum’s Scotland Cultural Collection. It is thought that the carrying case for the subject bagpipe was also made by John Ban.
There is considerable debate and speculation regarding the maker of this instrument. Before I wade into this, it must be recognized that we know very little of those making Great Highland Bagpipes during the 1700’s and early 1800’s. At best, we can only speculate based on the information at hand. Here’s what I see.
I believe that the wood used was native to Scotland. The grain appears too “open” to belong to any of the exotic hardwoods that were in use as early as the mid 1700’s. I’m not suggesting that this bagpipe pre-dates that time. Much of the detail of the turning has been lost. Combing seems to be inconsistent with 5, 6, and perhaps more teeth left standing. The angles and the wear make is difficult to determine. The profile of the bass drone mounts is different from those of the tenor drones however otherwise the bass drone looks to match the tenors. The ferrule on the bass drone stock has a raised bead, which is not present on other ferrules. The busing bore on the tenor drone tops is large and the bushing bore on the bass drone is huge! The hemp-beds on the tuning pins is very long, which is consistent with very early bagpipes.
I hope to have better pictures and perhaps more information later this year. I will update this page at that time.
