This article was written in 1975 by Peter Bain’s friend and pupil Angus MacPhee, Inverness, now himself sadly deceased. It is reproduced here by kind permission of Peter’s daughter Mrs Mairi McCulloch who also kindly supplied the photographs. Additional material is inserted in square brackets.
Born in Glasgow but raised on the isle of Skye, Peter Bain was the son of the late John Bain of Portree and Margaret Bain (nee Nicolson) one of the famous Nicolson family of Braes, Skye, who could trace a genealogical relationship to the MacCrimmons of Borreraig. His interest in piping was fostered in his youth in Skye and became professional on his entering an army career, as a boy-piper in 1920. From then on he soldiered and travelled to many parts of the world, constantly furthering his art, learning at the feet of such great men as John MacDonald of Inverness and Pipe-Major William Ross at the Army School and becoming a more and more the polished performer we learned later to admire and appreciate.
He obviously loved this period of his life and often regaled his family and friends with stories of these days in his own quiet, humorous fashion. During his time in the army before the war broke out he was stationed at Wellington Barracks and was often called upon to play the pipes at Buckingham Palace for the Queen Mother who loved to hear the pipes in the morning.[A contemporary report reads: ‘A romance which began at the Empire Exhibition, Glasgow, has culminated in the marriage of Sergeant Peter Balfour Bain, Scots Guards, and Miss Mary Dunlop
Cossar, a daughter of Mr and Mrs JT Cossar, Lambhill, Glasgow. Sergeant Bain, a son of Mr J Bain, Portree, Skye, was piper at the Clachan in the Empire Exhibition, while hisd bride was employed in the Clachan tea room. In a talk with the happy couple before they set off on their honeymoon, I was told that they met for the first time in the course of their duties at the Clachan. ‘I went to the tearoom for meals and in that way met Miss Cossar,’ said the bridegroom, smiling proudly at his wife. ‘We became good friends and that started the romance,’ added the sergeant. ‘We became engaged at the outbreak of war when I had to return to my unit. I joined the Scots Guards as a piper when I was 17 and served 10 years, finishing up in 1937. I was, of course, in the reserve. Before war broke out I was a postman at Morar, Inverness-shire, and in addition to that job taught piping and dancing.’ The bride is 22 and the bridegroom 30.]
Many of us, privileged to have been his pupils, will remember with affection his advice and encouragement while we sat with him the front room of his home in Lambhill. Later he returned once more to the site of the Exhibition at Bellahouston to teach many young players over the years at the academy there.[easyrotator]erc_14_1414056032[/easyrotator]Men of his stature in the world of piping are rare today. He was of a quiet, reserved disposition, which shunned the limelight of piping platforms in his latter years, though was a familiar adjudicator at Scottish Pipe Band Association competitions, where he was much thought of for his fairness and impartiality.
Finlayson, instructor at Portree High School. Iain Ruairi was taught by Iain MacFadyen who in turn was a pupil of Peter Bain. In the manner of piping tradition, Peter Bain’s teaching skills have been passed down to his great-grandson.
* Peter Bain had a number of pupils in the Glasgow area many of whom will have memories of him they would like to share. If you are one of them, please email pipingpress@gmail.com. See our Letters pages.
Have just found the letters page and read Archie MacLean’s great letter. Happy memories. Many thanks Archie.
Mairi,McCulloch, Saudi Arabia
Living away from home just now, it has been extra special to read this article and the comments about my Dad, Peter Bain. All the names mentioned by Gordon and Tom bring back such great memories. Thank you Robert – and thank you wee sister Jean for sending me the link.
Mairi McCulloch, Saudi Arabia
And lovely for me as Peter Bain’s youngest child (Jean Cossar Bain) to read about him here, to see his music again (written with a j-nib) and to learn that our dad is not forgotten by others
From Tom Morris.
Hi Robert,
Nice to read the article on Peter Bain, and Gordon’s memories.
I recall marching in single file behind Jim, Dougie, Ronnie, and Gordon, and being told by Peter to always march heel down to attain the measured step. He also taught us to write music with a special nib, an inverted triangle as the note head. Peter had electronic fingers, was a great teacher and complete gentleman. Even let me take home his manuscript book from the Pipe Major’s course at the Castle. Immaculate work.
Shocked and saddened by Dougie’s passing. Always smiling and a great enthusiast. My condolences to all the family.
Hope Gordon, you are well, and health and happiness to you.
All the best,
Tom Morris.
Lovely to hear these stories about my Grandfather Peter Bain
Hi Gorden I’m the daughter of John Bain . My dad read this and would love to get in touch with you for a chat .
Hi Robert, Interesting to read about Peter Bain. I remember when Dougie and Jim Elmslie,Tom Morris and a few other young pipers used to have piobaireachd lessons at Bellahouston Academy in the early 1960’s. Peter was a real highland gentleman and provided great encouragement for we young lads! We had a couple of MSR’s under our belts courtesy of the 214 BB and Peter would say “If I had you lads at the Guards Depot I would have you playing half a dozen MSR’s in no time!” He would always wind up the class just before 9.30 to allow himself time for a dram at the nearby “Jester” !
I consider it a great privilege to have known Peter Bain and several of the great players of that era who are piping legends.
Kind Regards
Gordon Ferguson, Queensland, Australia