Bagpipes, associated with Argyllshire Highlanders (74th Regiment of Foot)

Add to album

This set of Highland bagpipes is said to have belonged to Piper MacCorquodale, who played when Argyllshire Highlanders (74th Regiment of Foot) was being recruited by Lieutenant-Colonel John Campbell of Barbreck in 1778. Both men had previously served in the 78th Fraser's Highlanders (1756-63). It is assumed that the instrument was the product of a professional workshop. It may have been the work of MacKinnon or Fraser of Greenock in the second half of the 18th century. This set of pipes is certainly old by surviving wind-instrument standards - it is exceptional to discover 18th-century sets of Highland bagpipes.

The pipes have a chanter and three drones, comprising two tenors and a bass. The chanter shows extreme wear on the finger holes consistent with long usage. Themouthpiece is probably turned from cocus wood. The pipes are mounted with ivory, bone and horn.

Piping was traditionally associated with the call to arms in the Highlands, and was deliberately used to attract Highland recruits for the British army.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-002-317-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1998.1130
• Date: 18th century
  Possibly second half of the 18th century
  
• Material: Cocus wood ?; ivory; bone; silk tartan ribbon
  Bagpipes
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bagpipes
  
• Subject:
• Who: Argyllshire Highlanders / 74th Regiment of Foot (A)
  Colonel John Campbell of Barbreck
  MacKinnon and Fraser of Greenock (Possible maker)
  Piper MacCorquodale (Owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Argyllshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Argyllshire Highlanders / 74th Regiment of Foot - MacCorquodale's Pipes, full-sized Highland bagpipes said to have belonged to Piper MacCorquodale who played for recruiting and at the formation of the regiment which was raised in 1778, 18th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: