Allan G Stark became employed by J & R Glen in Edinburgh around 1914. He saw action in France during the later part of WWI and then returned to the Glen business.
At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the 7th/9th Royal Scots and rose to the rank of Pipe Major. After the war he again returned to J & R Glen. In 1947 he set up his own business at 25 Argyle Place, Edinburgh. By all accounts the business was quite successful. He was a well-known personality at the Highland Pipers’ Society and the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society. Allan’s son Graham joined him in the business in 1950.
In 1960 the family decided to emigrate to Australia. During his time in Melbourne Allan Stark continued his playing and teaching career and was Pipe Major of the Nunawading Pipe Band. Allan Stark died in Melbourne in 1963.
The picture to the bottom (right) are of a bagpipe I purchased off Ebay. Yes, sometimes you get tricked however this time my curiosity was rewarded with an exceptional set of miniature bagpipes by Allan Starck. If you find a set of Allan Stark bagpipes, expect to be impressed with the quality of turning and the attention to detail.
