Allan, James (also known as Jamie, Jemmy, and Jimmy)

Born in Hepple (W. of Rothbury); In his time a legend as a skilful, but infamous piper who, in spite of his notoriety was popular among the aristocracy, and employed, in 1746-1747, on a number of occasions at Alnwick Castle; He died, however, in the House of Correction at Durham, convicted of horse-stealing and sentenced to be transported for life; According to Victorian chronicler John Sykes [17??-18??] "he would have regained his liberty, as the first signature of the Prince Regent officially addressed to the city of Durham was a free pardon for Allan - but death had removed him beyond the reach of royal clemency"; NB: ➺ John Dunn.