The story of the burning in the church has been altogether discredited, but it is admitted that there was a raid, and that a large number of cottages, as well as the manse of Killychrist, were burnt. None of the earlier writers, however, mention the burning of the congregation. The music itself also contradicts somewhat the traditional origin of the tune, for when it is properly played the listener can fancy he hears the flames rustling and blazing through the timbers, mingled with the angry remonstrances and half-smothered shouts of the warriors, but there is no representation of the more feeble plaints of women and children, as there would surely have been had these been among the victims. However, I give the story for what it is worth.
“PIOBAIREACHD DHOMHNUILL DUIBH”
is one of the oldest and best known of pipe tunes. It is said to have been played at the Battle of Inverlochy in 1431, and it is first found on paper in Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion, published in 1764, where it is entitled Piobaireachd Mhic Dhonuill. Afterward it appeared in the book compiled by Captain Mac Leod of Gesto, from which it was translated in 1815 into ordinary notation by the editor of Albyn’s Anthology. Its first printed heading strengthens the title of the Mac Donalds, who claim the tune for their clan, but the words Donull Dubh are accepted as referring to Cameron of Lochiel, and the tune is known as “Lochiel’s March.” The chief of the Camerons bears the name Mac Dhomhnuill Duibh, or son of Black Donald. The air, which is the march of the 79th or Cameron Highlanders, is a call to arms, and is inseparably associated with Inverlochy, but whether composed and played on the field or only in commemoration of the battle cannot now be determined. The English words are by Sir Walter Scott, and first appeared in 1816:—
“Pibroch o’ Donuil Dhu,
Pibroch o’ Donuil,
Wake thy wild voice anew,
Summon Clan Conuil;
Come away, come away,
Hark to the summons,
Come in your war array,