The Mystery of the Cookie Tin Piper

[Singlemalt]

It is an undisputed scientific fact that nothing looms larger in importance to the heart and mind of a seven year old boy than the family cookie tin. Fifty years ago when I was that boy, in a very Scottish-Canadian family our cookie tin featured the image of a very noble looking piper in full regalia. I can clearly remember asking my mother for something from piper tin and she telling me "that he was not just any piper, he is the Queen's piper".

Fast forward about 30 years (20 years ago) and my father has died. One of my tasks was to go through his workshop and decide what tools and supplies I wanted. In doing so I found the Piper Cookie Tin full of old bolts, hinges and parts. Of course I could not throw it away so I added it to my workshop where it served the same purpose for many years. A few years ago the hinges and the bottom of the tin gave out and I tossed them but somehow I could not bring myself to get rid of the decorated lid. I tucked it up behind a beam above my work bench. Today in preparation of a move of my own I found it again and it brought back a flood of old memories.

I looked at this image which has been part of my life for over 50 years and wondered, who was this fine man? Was he really the Queen's piper? I realize that probably a few clicks of my Google finger could solve this question but I decided I would rather share the story with the rabble and see if any of you could shed light on who this chap was. I know many on this forum are experts on the piping tradition and may enjoy the story of a small Canadian boy and his cookie tin.

Image below:

[gary meakin]

I can't help any, but what a wonderful story.

[Steve of Lansing]

Sorry I can't help you with the piper or his story, but that was a great story, and I wanted to say thanks for sharing it!

It sort of reminded me of something that happened to me a while back.

When I was a kid I had a couple of "Hot Wheels" play-sets. Well, as happens, I out grew "kids" toys and they got sold in a garage sale. Fast forward about 25 years and a great friend of mine has a daughter, and she goes around to garage sales to find stuff for her kid. One day I show up at her house and there's this play-set setting in the middle of her living room, and I immediately start playing "cars" with her daughter.

After I told my friend that I had one just like it, she asks if I knew who got a hold of it when it was sold and I knew so I told her. It seems that this play-set had made its way through no less than 4 other families before it ended up in my friends possession. (it's a rather small town, so this pedigree wasn't too hard to keep track of)

It actually brought a little mist to my eyes when I realized I was the first one to enjoy this toy, and that so many other children had gotten to enjoy it.

When my friend noticed this, she promised that I would get it back when her daughter had outgrown it.

I realize this was a little way off topic, but it felt good to talk about, so thanks for reading along. Back to OT.

Always, -Steve

[Jack Daw]

A short internet search produced this picture of Alexander MacDonald, Queen's Piper from 1945 through 1965:

[Singlemalt]

A short internet search produced this picture of Alexander MacDonald, Queen's Piper from 1945 through 1965:

Steve, there is no doubt that he is the man on the cookie tin and the timing is exactly right as I was born right in the middle of his tenure as Royal Piper. I know I could have figued this out by myself but thought others might enjoy the story and I have always enjoyed story telling much more than pure research. Thanks for accomidating me.

[crash]

I just received a copy of that cookie tin from my Mum last week. I collect cookie tins among other things, like beer coasters and motorcycles. It used to belong to my Grandmother ( my father's Mum). She is my connection to the Colquhoun Clan.

[Piipriker]

Thank you for sharing this.

[Mike_Oettle]

A fascinating story, Jack Daw, and many thanks to Singlemalt for identifying the gentleman piper.
I do have a question, though.
If he was first appointed a royal piper in 1945, was he in fact appointed to Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) or to the King? Clearly he was the Queen’s Piper from 1952 onwards.
Regards,
Mike

[creagdhubh]

A short internet search produced this picture of Alexander MacDonald, Queen's Piper from 1945 through 1965:

Superb story, and what a fantastic painting of P/M MacDonald!

Cheers,

[sydnie7]

That's a wonderful story and I think the gentleman deserves better treatment! How about finding a shadowbox that it would fit in? Something like this.You mention a workbench, perhaps it's something you could make.