Continuing the series of substantial research articles by Jeannie Campbell MBE, focusing on piping and pipers in Dundee in the 1800s. Links to parts 1 and 2 are at the foot of this page.
• PART 3 •
BY JEANNIE CAMPBELL MBE.
In 1863 a Concert was advertised: ‘Grand Promenade Concert, Rollo’s Pier, Magdalen Yard Road. The Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the 10th Forfarshire Highland Rifle Volunteers beg to announce that they will give a Promenade Concert, consisting of Instrumental Music, Athletic and Gymnastic Games and Amusements, Under the Patronage of Major Alison, Captain Commandant Littlejohn and The Dundee Highland Association at the above place, on the afternoon of Saturday 16th May 1863, commencing at four o’clock, for the purpose of providing targets for the Corps, for which occasion the two following instrumental bands have kindly tendered their services, viz: the Dundee Instrumental Band and the Dundee Thistle Brass Band. The Pipers of the Highland Corps will be in attendance. Admission to the grounds 3d. Seats within the arena 6d. By order of Committee, W M Robertson, Secy. Refreshments to be had on the grounds.’
On 24th October this letter was printed in the Dundee Advertiser, ‘The Dundee Highland Association. To the Editor of the Dundee Advertiser. Sir, The public will think that things are far behind with this Association, when none of the meetings are taking place this year in connection with it. Surely its vitality is far gone when at the last meeting only two members attended, even although the business to be brought up had reference to a proposed Rifle meeting which some of the members wished to have organised. Yours, etc, A Member.’
In 1864 the Games made a return on the first day of the Dundee Fair. On Saturday 27th August the Dundee Advertiser reported, ‘Dundee Highland Games, Yesterday, the Highland Games got up by the 10th Forfarshire Highland Volunteers, under the patronage of the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, Major Alison, Captain Commandant Littlejohn, and the Dundee Highland Association, came off in the Barrack Park. A square in the north west end of the Park had been railed off for the competitions, and to the north of this a stand was erected for the convenience of visitors. The attendance was very numerous. The competitions were of two kinds, the first series being open to all comers, while the second were restricted to Dundee Volunteers. During the day the Dundee Instrumental Band were on the ground and played some fine selections of music.’ Details of the athletic events followed. Then the results were given. Open to All. Playing Marches on the Great Highland Bagpipe: 1. John Stewart, piper, 10th Forfarshire Highland Rifle Volunteers. Playing Lament, Strathspey and Reel: No competition. Another report had this additional information, ‘Mr Thow, bagpipe maker, Seagate, offered a handsome set of miniature bagpipes mounted with silver and ivory, and valued at about £2.5s for the best player of a lament, but no person came forward to compete for the prize.’
•John Stewart was born in Dundee in 1842 and enlisted in the 3rd Dundee Highland Volunteer Battalion, Black Watch about 1882. In 1895 he became Pipe Major of the Volunteers after the death of Donald Bain. He was a good piper and instructor. He was appointed PM of the Battalion and was awarded the Volunteer long service medal in 1902. He died in hospital in Dundee on 25th October 1913. He was aged 71, unmarried and his occupation was iron moulder. His parents were John Stewart, Blacksmith and Clarinda, maiden surname Sword. A report of his funeral was published in the Dundee Courier on 30th October; ‘Well-Known Dundee Piper Laid to Rest—Impressive scenes were witnessed at the funeral at Dundee yesterday of Mr John Stewart, late pipe-major, V.B.R.H. The funeral was largely attended, a detachment of Territorials being present. On the way to the cemetery Pipers Key and Stewart played “The Flowers of the Forest,” and at the graveside Major M’Lennan, a nephew of the deceased, gave a rendering of the pathetic “Lochaber No More.” Deceased was a well known local piper, and had also taught many who have achieved fame in that line.’ His sister Elizabeth married John McLennan in Dundee on 25th February 1870 and was the mother of Pipe Major G S McLennan, Gordon Highlanders, who composed the March PM John Stewart for his uncle.
In 1866 the games were advertised, ‘Barrack Park, July 28 1866. Dundee Highland Games. For the benefit of the National Wallace Monument. In the Barrack Park on Saturday July 28 1866, commencing at half past three o’clock afternoon. The Games will be under the patronage and presence of the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, Lieutenant Colonel Alison, Captain Commandant Sandeman, Captain Guild, and other officers of the Artillery, Rifles, and Highland Volunteers. Admission to the Park 6d; Arena 2s; Grandstand 1s. W M Robertson Secy, Dundee Highland Society. For particulars see programme.’
The report afterwards said the afternoon was somewhat chilly but the attendance by four o’clock was three or four thousand, and this was greatly augmented during the evening. Those unable to pay for admission perched themselves on the walls enclosing the park. The square marked of for the games was enclosed by barricades to which seats were attached and the grandstand was on the north side of the square. The games were a great success and after paying the expenses about £20 would be handed over towards the completion of the Wallace monument. The prize list included only one piping events, Playing Highland Reels: 1. John Stewart, Dundee; 2. J Coutts, Dundee.
On Saturday 6th October the Dundee Highland Volunteers held another games at Rollo’s Pier. The Events were confined to the Volunteers and no piping competitions were mentioned in the report.
In 1867 the annual Gathering of the Dundee Highland Association took place in the Barrack Park on Saturday afternoon 20th July. In the report it was described as the most attractive and successful meeting which has yet been held under the auspices of the Society. There were 20 different competitions and a number of valuable prizes. The weather was good and there were about 2,000 to 3,500 spectators. The members of the Society met at the High School at 2.30pm and preceded by the band of the Rifle Volunteers marched to the Park. The band performed at intervals during the proceedings. Of the 20 events 13 were open and seven confined to members of the Association. Only one piping result was given, Playing Highland Reels, 5 competitors. 1st a handsome silver medal, Duncan MacDougall, lately piper to the Prince of Wales; 2nd Malcolm McCall, piper to the Duke of Athole.
A Highland Rifle company had been formed in Dundee by 1861 and in 1868 a battalion to be known as the 3rd Forfar Dundee Highlanders was raised. Some local pipers played for the marches but it was decided that a pipe band was needed and Donald Bain was asked to become the pipe major. Donald Bain was born in Wick in 1819. He enlisted in the Black Watch in 1836 and served through the Crimean war, receiving the Crimean Medal with Clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol. At Alma he had played the colours up to the Heights against the enemy, and was complimented on parade by Sir Colin Campbell. Afterwards he was known as the Hero of Alma. By 1868 he had retired and was on the staff at Stirling Castle. When he played at the opening ceremony of the Wallace monument the crowds clamoured for pieces of the ribbons streaming from his drones.
In 1868 the annual gathering under the auspices of the Dundee Highland Association took place in the Barrack Park on the afternoon of Saturday 25th July. Again it was described as the most attractive and most successful gathering which had been held for many years. This was to a large extent owing to the energetic and liberal spirit of the Society and the excellent inducements held out to competitors. Through the kindness of Major Sandeman the band of the Artillery Volunteers was present and discoursed a variety of lively and beautiful airs at intervals. Results for piping were given as Playing Highland Bagpipes: 1. Henry Stewart, Fincastle; 2. Angus Gibson, 42nd Royal Highlanders. Another paper gave the result as 1. Richard Stewart, Edinburgh; 2. Angus Gibson, 42nd Royal Highlanders.
On 6th March 1869 this article was published in the Dundee Courier: ‘Formation of a Celtic Club. Yesterday evening a meeting of Gaelic speaking Highlanders was held in the Royal Hotel, for the purpose of forming a Society for the cultivation of the Gaelic language and literature. Mr Menzies, schoolmaster, Tealing, was called to the chair. It was proposed and unanimously agreed to that those present should form themselves into a Society, to be called the Dundee Celtic Club, for the objects stated above; and a committee was appointed to draw up rules for the conduct of the Society, which are to be submitted to a subsequent meeting. Thereafter, Mr Treasurer, Invergowrie, read a very able paper in Gaelic on the Gaelic language and literature. We understand that the membership is to be confined to Gaelic speaking Highlanders, and that the proceedings are to be conducted, as far as possible in that ancient language.’ Despite this report, several later reports of their activities state that the Club was founded in 1872.
In 1869 preliminary announcements stated that the Dundee Highland Games would be on July 31st at the Pleasure Grounds, East Dock Street, then later advertisements gave the date as 7th August. A letter to the Dundee Courier on 21st July from ‘A Volunteer’ said that a swimming match between the Aberdeen and Tay Clubs was taking place that day, as was the monthly parade of the 1st Forfarshire Volunteers and suggested that the date of the parade should be changed.
On August 10th this advertisement appeared ‘Postponement of the Dundee Annual Highland Games. In consequence of the inclement weather on Saturday the Highland Games were postponed until Saturday 21st August.’ Further advertisements gave that date and the Games were held that day and reported as follows, ‘These games passed off successfully on Saturday afternoon at the Pleasure Grounds. There were several thousand spectators in the grounds, the grandstand and the other accommodation being fully occupied. The games were under the patronage of Colonel Guthrie. By permission of Colonel Guthrie the pipers were present and played several selections during the afternoon.’ The prize winners for playing Strathspeys and Reels were H Stewart, Fincastle, 20s, H Douglas, 78th Highlanders 10s, and John Stewart, Dundee Volunteer Highlanders, 5s. There were five competitors. The judges for the reel playing and the dancing were Captain Forbes, 78th Highlanders, Captain Don of the Dundee Highland Volunteers, Mr Gilbert Gordon, Perth and Mr Thow, bagpipe maker, Dundee.
On Saturday 26th March 1870 the monthly parade of the 10th Forfarshire Rifle Volunteers (Dundee Highlanders) took place in the Barrack Square at 4pm. The men were drilled for upwards of an hour before being dismissed. During the drill the excellent pipe band of the regiment under the command of Mr Donald Bain played several lively airs.
The Dundee Courier had this letter on 10th June, ‘Sir, As our civic rulers have again granted the use of the Barrack Park for the Highland Games on the 18th inst, I should like to know if the Council, in granting that privilege, empower the promoters of these games to lock out the public from all parts of the park on that day, or if they (the promoters) take that right upon themselves to do so? I shall reserve further comment until put in possession of the facts of the case, and shall feel greatly obliged to any one that will give me the required information. Trousers. Dundee June 9th 1970.’
The Games were reported in the Courier on Monday 20th June. ‘The Dundee Highland Society, under whose auspices Highland games of a highly attractive character were annually held having become all but defunct some two or three years ago, the consequence was that the gatherings decreased both in attraction and popularity. This year, however, a number of enthusiastic gentlemen set themselves to work, and succeeded in forming a new “Highland Society,” embracing the few remaining members of the old. Under the auspices of this new Society, the Highland Games on Saturday took place, and the success which attended them augurs well for similar gatherings in future. The games were held in the Barrack Park. The weather was all that could be desired, and this, combined with the fact that a large number of the leading athletes were to take part in the various sports, had the effect of drawing together a large assemblage of spectators, numbering about 3,000. The sports took place in an enclosed space at the north-west corner of the park. A grandstand was erected, but it was not very greatly patronised. On the north side of the grandstand the fine band of the 4th Forfarshire Artillery Volunteers was stationed, and discoursed excellent music at intervals during the progress of the games. The whole of the arrangements were excellent, and reflected great credit on the Secretary, Mr John Bell, and the other Members of Committee. The games began about 4 o’clock and terminated about eight.’ The results followed. There were two Highland dancing events, Highland Reels and Gillie Callum and a piping competition for playing strathspeys and reels. The first prize of £1 went to J Coutts of Dundee, second prize 10 shillings to John Ramsay of Dundee who was blind and third 5 shillings to J Stewart.
In 1871 Donald Bain and the pipe and drum band were part of the entertainment at a concert in March. Then on 13th June the new band of the Dundee Highlanders led a parade for the first time. The pipers led by Donald Bain were John Coutts, Robert Sim, John Stewart, Alex Kay, Alex MacArthur and R Watt. The bass drummer was J Stewart Salmond.
The eleventh annual games were held on Saturday 29th July 1871 was to have begun at half past three with a parade to the Park led by the band of the First Forfarshire Volunteers, but due to the weather this was shortened. On Monday 31st July the Courier reported, ‘Dundee Highland Games. The annual games in connection with the Dundee Highland Society took place in the Barrack Park on Saturday afternoon under the patronage of Captain Perryn and officers of the 90th Light Infantry. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather the gathering was not so successful as on former occasions. Rain began to fall about 2 o’clock, and it was at one time thought that it might be advisable to postpone the games for a week. However, as most of the competitors had come forward, it was resolved to proceed, and the programme was carried out notwithstanding rain falling in torrents, accompanied with strong gusts of wind during the whole competitions. The ground selected for the games was at the north-west corner of the Park, the best spot which could have been chosen for the purpose. A grandstand was erected at the east side of the arena, where the band of the First Forfarshire Rifle Volunteers, under the leadership of Mr Warren, played at intervals. The games began about four o’clock and concluded about seven, and although it rained heavily there were about 2,000 spectators. In all the competitions the contest was keen.’ No results were given.
On 31st May 1872 this was reported, ‘Dundee Celtic Club. This club held its first general meeting in the hall of the Café Royal on Wednesday evening. In the absence of the Dean of Guild, Mr Finlay McDiarmid occupied the chair. The Secretary, Mr Hugh M Cameron, read an interesting and gratifying report of the proceedings of the association since its commencement in March last.’ The report went to described the reading of a paper on the Celt, the acting of a scene from the Lady of the Lake, and Songs, recitations, pibrochs and dances which contributed to the success of the evening.
Short notifications of the Club’s first Highland Games appeared in the papers several times and were followed by the full details on 13th July, ‘First Grand Highland Gathering of the Dundee Celtic Club. Dean of Guild MacNaughtan, Presodent. Under the patronage and presence of Provost Yeaman, the Magistrates and Town Council of Dundee, Captain Hyslop and Officers of the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, Lieut-Colonel Sandeman and Officers of the Artillery Volunteers, Lieut-Colonel Anderson and Officers of the Rifle Volunteers, Lieut-Colonel Guthrie and Officers of the Highland Rifle Volunteers. The Committee of the Dundee Celtic Club have to announce that their First Annual Gathering will take place in the Barrack Park on Saturday 20th July 1872, when upwards of £50 in Prizes will be awarded. By the kind permission of Lieut-Colonel Guthrie, the band of the Highland Rifle Volunteers will head the procession from the Rotal Hotel at 3 o’clock pm, where all intending Competitors must meet at 2.30pm and join in the Procession to the Park. Gated open at 2 o’clock pm, Games to commence at 3.30pm precisely. Admission – Grandstand 1s 6d; Arena 1s; Park 6d. Family Tickets for Grandstand, admitting 4 persons 5s. Holders of Grandstand and Arena tickets admitted to Park Free. Member of the Dundee Celtic Club admitted to Park, Atrena or Geranstand free, on showing their Cards of Membership. By Order of the Committee. Hugh M Cameron, Secretary, Charles Street, Dundee. For places where tickets may be had see programme.’
Next was this report, ‘These popular games which, since the demise of the former Dundee Highland Association, have been in the hands of a few enterprising gentlemen, not necessarily sons of the Gael, are this year to be held under the auspices of the Dundee Celtic Club, a society which, though only in its infancy, has already accomplished a good deal of work. The club has for its president the Dean of Guild, while several of the Town Council and of the leading gentlemen in town are members. We understand an imposing procession will leave the Royal Hotel the day of the gathering, and march to the park headed by the military band. We notice on the programme a number of entirely new competitions, such a wrestling match and an amateur local race. There will also be a prize to the best dressed Highlander A whole box of Highland ornaments has arrived from Edinburgh, from which large selections will be made; and Mr Kelt, Murraygate, himself member of the club, is executing an extensive order in the shape of medals. It certainly is very creditable to the Dundee Celtic Club that it is able, so soon after its formation, to offer the competitors upwards of fifty pounds worth of prizes; and we trust the weather, on the 20th of July, will be favourable, so that the public and especially the gentlemen in charge of the arrangements, will not be disappointed.’
Reports following the Gathering followed, ‘The first Gathering of the Dundee Celtic Club on Saturday was a decided success. This club is still in its infancy, but it has done more, during its short existence, for the preservation of the language, music, dress and games of the Highlanders than any former Highland association in Dundee. For a number of years past the Dundee Highland Games have been under the control of private speculators, and although now and again celebrated athletes did visit them, competition was almost a farce, and the prizes were divided for the most part among professionals. But there is now good prospect of the real old Highland games being revived in that district. The gathering was held in the Barrack Park, and the weather being fine, there was a large number of visitors. At 3 o’clock the committee of the Celtic Club, the competitors, the band of the Highland Rifle Volunteers, and the band of the Morgan Hospital boys, formed in procession, and marched to the park by way of Reform Street and Constitution Road. After the procession had entered the park, the rush of people was so great that it was found necessary to open a third gate. Indeed, so great was the crush that the Provost and Magistrates were kept standing for a quarter of an hour before they could get admittance. The games were held in the north-west corner of the park. A large arena was formed with wood, in the centre of which was the stage for dancing and the other appliances for the competitions. At the north side was placed the grandstand, finely decorated with flags and banners. The judges were: For Athletic Competitions and Races Captain Don and Mr Kerr CE, Perth; for Dancing and Playing the Pibroch Provost Yeaman, Dean of Guild Macnaughton, Colonel Guthrie, Quartermaster Guild, Mr Mathieson, Mr McIntosh and Mr J Menzies.’ Results were: Best and Most Complete Dressed Highlander at his own expense, 1. (Silver Medal) David Glen, Edinburgh; 2. (Silver Dirk Pin) W McPherson, Dundee. Playing Pibrochs on the Great Highland Bagpipes, 1. (Silver Medal and 10s) Richard Stuart, Edinburgh; 2. (Silver Shoe Buckles and 5s) Donald Bain, Dundee; Playing Highland Reels, 1. (25s) John Stuart, Dundee; 2. (15s) Richard Stuart, Edinburgh; 3. (10s) Donald Bain, Dundee. A special prize was also given to John Coutts, Dundee. Playing Marches and Quicksteps on the Highland Bagpipe, confined to Dundee and neighbourhood, 1. (Silver Medal) Donald Bain, Dundee; 2. (Sgian Dubh) John Stuart, Dundee; 3. (Shoulder Brooch) John McDonald, 73rd Regiment.
The second general meeting of the Club was reported on 26th September. It was held in the Forfar and Kincardine Hall and there was a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen. There were speeches, Mr Stuart played the bagpipes with great success and dancing was kept up till a late hour. The Club intended to form classes for the study of the Gaelic language.
On 28th December 1872 an advertisement stated that the Annual Festival and Ball under the auspices of the Dundee Celtic Club would be held in the Thistle Hall, Union Street on 13th January.