Cameron, Donald

Born in Fodderty [WNW of Dingwall, Ross-shire]; When a mere child, Donald could play the pipes, and the late Mr. Mackenzie of Millbank, taking an interest in him, placed him under the tuition of Big Donald MacLennan, of Moy; Afterwards he was taught by Angus Mackay of Raasay, and his last tutor was John Ban Mackenzie; He first competed in Edinburgh in 1838 [1828?], 17 [27?] years of age, and won 2nd prize; In after years he won many prizes, and was the last to bear the title Champion of Champions, or "King of Pipers"; He was piper to the Earl of Seaforth, who presented him, in 1863, with the title deeds of one of the best houses in the village of Maryburgh [NW of Inverness], where he died; He composed some first class marches and reels, such as "Kessock Ferry," "Brahan Castle," and "Lady Anne MacKenzie’s Farewell to Rosehaugh"; Three of his sons became renowned pipers - Colin (to the Duke of Fife), Alexander (Alick, for some years piper to the Marquis of Huntly), and Keith (who was a piper in the Highland Light Infantry); The Camerons are a most illustrious piping family, who did much to pass on piping; NB: ➺ John MacDonald.