The Macarthur Pipers.

The Macarthurs

The MacArthurs who are buried here filled the important office of hereditary pipers to

the MacDonalds Lord of the Isles for several generations. They farmed the nearby

area of Peingown, which was also the site of their piping school and where a hillock

called Cnoc Phail is still pointed out as the rendezvous on which the renowned pipers

and their pupils delighted to practise. An Angus MacArthur piped in the MacDonald

chief to the onset of the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, while his son Charles served

Sir Alexander MacDonald as his piper in the 19th century.  He was described by

Thomas Pennant, who visited Skye in 1774, as a "master of his instrument".  Charles

had studied for 11 years under the celebrated Padruig Og MacCrimmon at Borreraig

and became a talented composer. Charles had two sons Donald and Alexander. The

latter went to America while Donald continued to farm at Peingown.  Unfortunately

Donald was drowned in the Minch when returning with a boat load of cattle from Uist.

The incomplete inscription on the gravestone of Charles was because the work was

being paid for by Donald, on whose death the stone-mason decided to terminate his

labour.

Thig crioch air an t-saoghal

Ach mairidh gaol is ceol.

 [see Image No. 2212]