Piping Press

Allistair Sinclair, Master Bagpipemaker

We regret to announce the passing of Allistair Sinclair of the William Sinclair Bagpipemaking dynasty. Allistair passed away after a long illness

Allistair took over the Wm Sinclair workshop in Leith near Edinburgh on the passing of his father. Allistair, a master craftsman, carried on the fine tradition of both his father and grandfather.

Allistair Sinclair working at the lathe

Modest to a fault, Allistair quietly worked away producing beautiful hand-crafted instruments and chanters for customers around the world.

In 60s and 70s the Sinclair chanter was THE pipe band chanter. The chanter was played by the Shotts band in the early years of their success and ‘Pa’ Sinclair worked closely with the MacAllister family on developing their reed to suit the chanter.

It was the Sinclair chanter that was played throughout the glory years of Strathclyde Police under P/M Ian McLellan – and MacAllister reeds that Ian used too.

Condolences to Allistair’s family at this time.


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