Neil MacLean, Piper to the Highland Society of London

Neil MacLean, Piper to the Glasgow Highland Society and then to the Highland Society of London, 1784, had competed in the first piping competitions run by the Highland Society at Falkirk in 1781.

Having won first prize in 1783, he was invited to be the first full-time piper to the Society for an annual wage of 12 guineas and a complete Highland dress.

The portrait shows Neil MacLean playing the Great Highland Bagpipe about 1784, dressed in livery at the Society's expense, including kilt, detached plaid, sporran, pistol, red coat and waistcoat. The portrait demonstrates how ideas on 'full Highland dress' as formal costume had evolved at a comparatively early date and shows the Highland bagpipe as a prize instrument turned and finished in a 'modern' decorative style.

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