THE CAMPBELLS
were pipers to the Campbells of Mochaster, in Argyllshire, and they, too, were indebted to Patrick Og Mac Crimmon for a good deal of their training. The latest record of them in their official capacity is to be found on a tombstone, in Bellside Churchyard, Lanarkshire, erected by Walter Frederick Campbell of Isla and Shawfield, an M.P. in the year of grace 1831, over his piper, John Campbell.
Besides those mentioned, there were famous, if not actually hereditary, pipers in different parts of the Highlands. A branch of the Mac Gregors established a school in Rannoch, and, the Mac Phersons of Cluny and nearly all the other Highland chiefs of any note had excellent pipers, many of whom produced pieces of considerable merit. But the hereditary pipers have all passed away long ago, with the passing of that phase of life which was necessary to their existence. Their names, however, are still names to conjure with, and are likely to be so long as a love for their music remains a prominent trait of Highland character.
CHAPTER XIX.
Some Latter Day Pipers.
“Ours the strains renowned in story,
Of peaceful hall or deadly corrie,
Would you call to field or foray,
Melt to love or rouse to glory?
Sound our mountain melody.”
Angus Mac Kay—Queen Victoria’s first piper—His book—Donald Mac Kay—John Bane Mac Kenzie—The Queen’s offer—The piper’s reply—Donald Cameron—His achievements—His theory of pipe music—His system of noting—His last competition—A special reed—“The King of Pipers”—Other latter day pipers.