The word "clan" is Gaelic for children and the idea of the clans is the family and kinship.  Nature created the Clans.  Scotland is cut into various mountain chains divided by steep valleys.  By the 14th century these valleys were populated by families and individuals who had fled to the Highlands to avoid the invader—whether Roman, Norman, Saxon, or other.  They were cut-off from one another by the terrain as well as from the "outside" ruling party.  Their loyalty lay with the chief of the clan, whether family member or an individual who offered protection.  The chief did not own the land to garner his power.  Instead he had the support of his people.

Their power was greatest under the rule of the Stewart Kings.  In 1688 the balance of power turned against them.  They made their last stand in 1745 when they attempted to put another Stewart, Bonnie Prince Charles, back on the throne.  After that defeat, the English were determined to stamp out anything remotely Scottish in nature and in particular those items they felt were either weapons of war—which included the bagpipe—or would give them a commonality to draw them together.  Thus the tartan was also outlawed.  Only in the British military could a Scotsman wear his kilt or play a bagpipe. The Act of Proscription stated that after August 1, 1745, any person "offending" the ban shall be committed, shall suffer imprisonment, without bail, during the space of six months.  This offence could be based on the oral testimony of a single person.  A second offence carried the banishment to any of his Majesty's plantations "beyond the seas" for a period of seven years.  The English also took land without paying for it.  The Scots were frequently killed if they didn't move off the land fast enough or were found wearing a tartan—or simply gathering together.  It was not until 1782 that this ban was lifted.  But some aspects of Scottish culture were lost forever.

The Scots that could afford it—or could find a way—sailed to America, as well as Australia in an effort to make a living or jus to keep the family together.  Frequently this resulted in families being torn apart as some were not able to leave.  In their new homes they were able to play the pipes, wear their tartans and uphold their culture. 

When King George IV (1762-1850) visited Edinburgh in 1822 at the invitation of Sir Walter Scott, who laid on a magnificent reception, one of the most vivid and impressive spectacles that day was a distinguished piper named John MacGregor.

When his clan chief accompanied the Scottish Crown Jewels to Holyrood Palace from Edinburgh Castle,  John proudly played his pipes as he led the dignitaries of his clan through the streets of the capital.  This was just one achievement he could add to the piping career he had followed all his life which had included being personal piper in the Atholl Highlanders, which today is still the only permissible private army in Britain and the sole remaining body of the Jacobite  armies of the '45.  John also had the distinction of playing his pipes at Taymouth Castle at the foot of Loch Tay in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. 

In his maturity while residing in the little village of Druimcharry in the district of Fortingall near Aberfeldy, John found himself in distressing financial difficulties.  To help ease this problem he considered the possibility of selling his beloved set of bagpipes.  But on inspection it was discovered the eventful life the pipes had known.  On and around the chanter were attached little discs of engraved silver plate, stating that this instrument of two drones (bagpipes of this era had only two drones) had been owned and played by John's grandfather (also named John) in Bonnie Prince Charlie's army throughout the '45 campaign.

John MacGregor, John's grandfather had also lived in the hamlet of Fortingall and was known to be an ardent follower of the Prince.  His prowess on the pipes had attracted the attention of the Young Pretender, and John was honored to assume the post of personal piper to the Prince. John and the Prince got on very well and struck up a warm affection, the only disadvantage being that Bonnie Prince Charlie spoke little or none of Gaelic and John, like most Scots at that time, was very restricted with his English.  But the Prince condescended to learn a few necessary phrases like, "Sied suas do phiob, Iain!"  ("Blow up your pipes, John!")

The defeat at Culloden was the final encounter John MacGregor would have with the Prince, as the piper was badly wounded when a musket-ball hit his left leg just above the knee.  When the battle ended a vast number of Scots lay dead and dying and, although losing blood badly, John was able to crawl with his pipes to safety.  Some time later, he was lucky enough to cross paths with a surgeon who dressed his would and this probably saved his life.  The next few weeks were spent evading the enemy troops, but with a great deal of luck he managed to reach home still clutching beloved pipes.

He spent the remainder of his days in Fortingall, raised four sons and eight grandsons, all of whom he tutored to play the pipes.  And now the last surviving grandson, his namesake John, was contemplating putting the pipes up for sale.

On learning of the availability of these historic set of pipes many of the Lairds in the vicinity offered bids for them, but the best offer was the one put forward by the Duke of Atholl.  He pledged to top the highest price offered plus provide a half-yearly monetary allowance which made it possible for grandson John to live his remaining years in financial security.

So it was ironic that the pipes which had proclaimed the final challenge of the House of Stuart at that final battle should find their resting place in the custody of one of the nation's principal Jacobite households.

I was born in 1566.  My mother was a Queen.  I ruled in Scotland when I was only one year old, but did not gain full control of government until 1581.  In 1603 I became king of England and Scotland.  A new translation of the Bible was completed in 1611 and named for me.  Who am I?

(Answer at the end of the Newletter)

King James VI of Scotland—King James I of England