Piping in Dùthaich MhicAoidh

 

Piping has played a big part in Mackay Country’s History.  Achness in Strathnaver was home of the Aberach Mackays.  One of the works of piobereachd was the ‘Mackay Banner’.  This is an ancient banner possibly originating from the end of the 16th century or before.  Custom connects it with Iain Aberach the Mackay chief who led the way for the Mackays into winning the battle at Drum Na Coup which occurred in 1433.  The banner came to represent the Mackay’s fighting dexterity.  Nearly two hundred years later Sir Robert Gordon sent a letter to the Earl of Sutherland, his nephew, insisting that Donald Duaghal Mackay should never display the Bratach - the banner - while the Sutherland’s was displayed.

 

 

In piping today the times are much more peaceful although the reverberating sound from the pipes can still leave the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end and the sound of a Gaelic air can leave you quite emotional if played competently.

 

Willie and John Macdonald were two brothers from Mid-Town Melness.  They were both accomplished pipers and very well known in piping circles.  John MacDonald was one of the best pipers of the early 1900’s.  His piping coincided with the reign of George the V’s and as the King was an enthusiast of piping he became the ‘Kings Piper’.

 

 

Willie MacDonald left Melness at the age of twelve to become herd boy in Strathhalladale.  However he was more interested in practicing the chanter and the fiddle.  This earlier interest for piping led him to becoming a piper in the Scots Guards.  As a result of injuries incurred whilst serving in the First World War Willie returned home and then took up employment in Inverness where he pursued further knowledge of piping.  He went on to win many competitions.  He was also Pipe Sergeant with the Lovat Scouts. 

 

 

Another prominent piper was Johnny Mackay, Trantlebeg Strathhalladale.  During his lifetime he composed over three hundred tunes.  When he was working on the croft a tune would enter his head so he would abandon whatever he was doing and run home to put down on paper the tune.  One of his 2/4 Marches was composed after the Lairg Games when he thought he would have to judge the Highland dancing.  He was relieved when Edith Macpherson turned up to adjudicate so he composed the tune ‘Edith Macpherson’s Welcome to the Lairg Games’ in appreciation of this

 

Johnny had ownership of a very old chanter.  It was used by a Pipe Major in the 93rd Highlanders.  It can be viewed in the Mackay Room in Strathnaver Museum where there is an exhibit of his work.